Quorum woes force K-P Assembly adjournment

Session stalled again as only 17 lawmakers turn up; ministers absent

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly's chronic quorum issues resurfaced on Monday as the scheduled session had to be adjourned due to insufficient attendance.

Only 17 lawmakers, mostly female opposition members, were present when the session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi, commenced an hour late.

The session began with a question raised by Pakistan Muslim League-N's (PML-N) MPA Shehla Bano regarding the appointment of doctors in the Labour Department. Shehla Bano criticized the response as incomplete, but the matter had to be deferred due to the concerned minister's absence.

During the question hour, opposition member Ashbar Jadoon expressed frustration over the repeated absence of ministers. Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi explained that the ministers were attending a cabinet meeting, to which Jadoon responded sharply, questioning the rationale for convening the Assembly session simultaneously.

Jadoon then highlighted the quorum issue, pointing out the very limited number of members present. Consequently, the session could not proceed and was adjourned until January 14, 2026.

Sources reveal that the K-P Assembly has faced similar disruptions 12 times over the past year, from January 2025 to the present. Most interruptions have been attributed to lawmakers' absenteeism, lack of interest in proceedings, and extended debates on law and order issues.

Legislative experts warn that repeated quorum failures reflect poorly on the functioning of the provincial legislature and can delay critical policy decisions. They also highlight the need for stronger enforcement of attendance rules and greater accountability from both government and opposition lawmakers to ensure the Assembly's business is conducted effectively.

As the province continues to grapple with governance and administrative challenges, the recurring inability to maintain quorum undermines public confidence in the Assembly's role as a platform for debate, oversight, and policy-making. The next session on January 14 will be closely watched for improved attendance and active participation from both sides of the aisle.