PESHAWAR:
The meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, convened on the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to begin punctually, was adjourned on Tuesday due to lack of quorum as lawmakers did not turn up in sufficient numbers.
Despite the chief minister’s instructions to begin the hearing on time, the session collapsed soon after it began, with only 25 members present, far short of the required minimum of 38 lawmakers for a quorum.
The assembly meeting began around 2.30 p.m., led by speaker Babar Saleem Swati, after recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem.
Before the day’s parliamentary business could begin, ANP lawmaker Arbab Usman rose from his seat and pointed to the empty benches, criticizing the lack of attendance.
He noted that while it was commendable that the assembly had started on time in accordance with the Chief Minister’s order, it was unfortunate that “public resources were wasted” due to the absence of the members.
On the basis of the objection, the speaker conducted a man-count, which confirmed the attendance of the assembly at only 25 members. Accordingly, Speaker Swati adjourned the session till 14.00 Friday 24 October.
According to sources, in recent weeks the assembly had developed a habit of starting its sessions two to three hours late, often due to late arrival of members. The Chief Minister had issued clear instructions to reverse this practice and ensure punctual meetings.
Officials added that many lawmakers were reportedly on their way to the assembly when the postponement was announced.
