ISLAMABAD: During the 20th session of National Assembly, which comprised six sittings from September 29 to October 10, 55 members (17pc) attended all sittings, while 37 members (11pc) were absent for entire session.
According to Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), the first sitting recorded highest attendance, with 224 members (69pc) present. The third sitting had lowest attendance, with only 155 members (47pc) present. 272 members (83pc) missed at least one sitting during the session.
Of these, 90 MNAs (33pc) applied for official leave.182 MNAs (67pc) skipped sittings without submitting any leave application.
Among cabinet members, one federal minister and one state minister attended all the sittings, while prime minister did not attend any sitting during the session.The Leader of Opposition has not yet been officially declared.
A protest erupted in the Press Gallery when journalists walked out after a PTI leader used abusive and unparliamentary language against senior journalist Aijaz Ahmed. In response, the Speaker directed certain members to meet protesting journalists.
During the same sitting, the House passed Asaan Karobar Bill, 2025. Members of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) continued their protest against a resolution condemning threats and killings of journalists, which also urged government action to protect media personnel and curb abusive online campaigns.
Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights requested deferral of both Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and Pakistan Infrastructure Development and Assets Management Authority Bill, 2025.
The Question Hour was scheduled for five of six sittings. In the first sitting, three starred questions were answered by Parliamentary Secretary; the rest were treated as unstarred.
In the third sitting, the Question Hour was deferred to discuss Palestine issue after a motion moved by Minister for Law and Justice.
In the fourth sitting, proceedings were adjourned due to lack of quorum. In the fifth sitting, Question Hour was suspended by motion.
In the final sitting, questions were listed for nine ministries, but only those related to Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Federal Education and Professional Training and Finance and Revenue were taken up — without concerned ministers present. Out of 29 ministers designated to respond to questions, only five were present during the session.
Out of 90 members who submitted leave applications: 28 (31pc) applied in advance. 36 (40pc) submitted applications after returning. 26 (29pc) had their applications read mid-absence.
Seventy-two (80pc) sought leave for entire duration of their absence. 18 (20pc) were absent longer than the approved leave period. Fifteen MNAs applied for leave for absences from previous sessions. 48 female MNAs (67pc attended more than half of the sittings. Twenty-one female MNAs (29pc) attended all sittings: 18 on reserved seats for women, two on general seats and one on a minority seat.
Six female MNAs (one general, five reserved) did not attend any sitting. 18 female MNAs attended less than half the sittings.
36 male MNAs (53pc) attended more than half the sittings. 34 male MNAs attended all sittings. 31 male MNAs (including one minority member) did not attend any sitting. 88 male MNAs attended less than half the sittings.
Islamabad (ICT): Two of three MNAs attended all sittings. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 40 MNAs (75pc) attended more than half the sittings; 16 attended all.
Sindh: Over half (47–58pc) attended more than half the sittings; 11 attended all. Balochistan: 10 MNAs (50pc) attended more than half; 4 attended all.
Punjab: Lowest participation; 51pc attended less than half the sittings and only 84 (49pc) attended more than half; 22 attended all.
Most members of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQMP), Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (JUIP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) attended more than half of the sittings. National Party (NP) member had 100pc attendance.
The Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWMP) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) members attended more than half the sittings.
The sole members of Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z) and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) attended fewer than half.
Two ministers (one federal and one state) attended all sittings. Six federal ministers and one state minister did not attend any sitting. The prime minister was absent from all sittings.
