PM, 82 MNAs absent from key NA sessions: FAFEN

ISLAMABAD: A quarter of National Assembly members (82 MNAs) did not attend a single sitting of the Assembly’s 19th session, held from September 1 to 5, 2025, according to a new report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The session, which spanned three sittings, was marked by low attendance, poor ministerial participation, and a complete absence of the Prime Minister, despite urgent deliberations on the country’s worsening flood situation.

Out of 336 MNAs, only 111 (34 per cent) attended all sittings. The final day of the session recorded the lowest turnout, with just 159 members (49 per cent) present. Significantly, 216 MNAs (66 per cent) missed at least one sitting, and 166 of them did so without formally applying for leave.

FAFEN noted that 15 federal and state ministers, including 10 MNAs holding full federal portfolios, failed to attend even a single sitting. While the Assembly suspended its regular agenda to prioritize a discussion on floods, only one minister was present during the designated Question Hour.

“This high rate of absenteeism among key government officials raises serious concerns about accountability and leadership, especially during a national emergency,” the report stated.

On a positive note, four federal ministers and one minister of state were commended for attending all sittings. Female MNAs also showed higher attendance rates compared to their male counterparts.

The report also highlighted that the Leader of the Opposition seat remained vacant, further weakening parliamentary oversight during critical national discussions.