Absent leaders

What happens to a country whose elected representatives barely attend parliamentary sessions where decisions are made and problems discussed? The answer lies in whatever one thinks of Pakistan. Experts often say that the country’s major issue is the lack of action and accountability of its representatives. According to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), during the 20th session of the National Assembly, which comprised six sittings from September 29 to October 10, 55 members (17 per cent) attended all sittings, while 37 members (11 per cent) were absent for the entire session. The report further added that the first sitting recorded the highest attendance, with 224 members (69 per cent) present. Of these, 90 MNAs (33 per cent) applied for official leave, while 182 MNAs (67 per cent) skipped sittings without submitting any leave application. In a country that is plagued with many problems, parliamentary sessions allow representatives from across the country to debate on laws that are in the interest of the people and that give them a voice as well.

According to the report, the ministers for commerce, planning and development, communication, information and broadcasting and overseas Pakistanis and resource development did not attend a single session. The prime minister, too, was absent in all six sessions, while the seat for the leader of the opposition is still vacant. The beauty of democracy lies in debates by political parties on major issues. MNAs bring their unique perspectives and add angles that may have been missed when any bill was tabled. What we have noticed in recent years is that representatives are more comfortable with airing their opinions in interviews or on their social media channels, but are wary of attending parliament – the place where their opinions matter the most.

A few days back, the World Bank alerted the country to its one-sided trade agreements, asking it to focus on the trade imbalance. Such deals are inked because the concerned ministers do not think it is necessary to have the opinion of all representatives to see how their constituents could be affected. Pakistan, unfortunately, has become a bleak picture of neglect and abandonment. Its weak democracy is slowly eating itself away. Constituents are supposed to be heard, and the only way they can get their voice to reach the power corridors is through their representatives, but when these elected officials show a lenient attitude towards their jobs, it gives an alarming message: we will always be left far behind. If Pakistan’s elected representatives keep taking their roles for granted, the country will, unfortunately, never progress and will forever remain stuck in the boom-and-bust cycle. When opinions of constituents who are affected by government policies are sidelined, the momentum of progress loses its steam.