Speakers of the legislative assemblies of Pakistan agreed to have a dedicated news channel to broadcast the proceedings and other activities of the legislative assemblies. PHOTO: FILE
This was stated by the speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq while addressing a press conference at the Parliament House at the end of three-day 17th Speakers Conference. He was flanked by speakers and deputy speakers of legislative bodies of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa assembly could not attend the conference as he is serving as acting governor of the province, said Sadiq.
The NA speaker informed that the conference was also attended by ex-speakers and deputy speakers and the issues being faced the legislative assemblies were discussed in length including the issue of legislative drafting.
He further said it has been proposed that ministers should issue policy statements in the national assembly rather than announcing it in the press conferences.
He added that it was also agreed to strengthen the capacity of the officials and the members of the legislative assemblies to improve the legislative drafting.
Complaining about the performance of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Studies (PIPS), Sadiq said the institute has done nothing except footing utility bills and incurring other unnecessary expenses. It has been decided to revamp PISP, said speaker national assembly.
He added that all the speakers have agreed to strictly follow merit while recruiting staff for the assemblies.
A pilot solar power project will be installed in parliament house with help of China aimed at introducing eco friendly power generation, said Sadiq.
He further added that the National library and speeches of the members will also be digitalized.
Earlier, The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Annual Senate Report 2013-14 had proposed that a dedicated television station and/or radio channel should be launched to air the proceedings of all legislative bodies. The report had also suggested that all Standing Committees should have websites to reflect their performance, and their proceedings should be open to citizen observers.
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This is a brilliant initiative that has the ability to enhance both political accountability and civic engagement! However, I must add that I recall reading another op-ed a couple of years ago that made the proposition for Pakistan benefitting from a C-SPAN (American public affairs cable network) equivalent. Perhaps the tribune should dig out that op-ed and give the writer due credit for being the first to propose the idea of broadcasting public affairs on this forum. It would serve as a reminder of the importance of sharing well-thought-out public service ideas with the public, as they have the potential of being materialized into reality by those who see value in them.
what waste of resources to project non tax paying people on tax payers' expense
more of the tax payer's money wasted on a channel that no body will watch.
@Nazar: At least now we get to judge them and see what they do in parliament. Thats what we voted them in for.
@Nazar: You are the only one. Running TV channels is not free. It'll be another loss making venture. Guess who will foot the bill?