ISLAMABAD: A recent report highlights significant absenteeism among Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) during the 15th session, with only 23 percent attending all sittings. The session, which took place over five sittings from April 7 to April 14, 2025, saw 16 percent of MNAs not attending any sitting at all.

The report, released by the Free and Fair Election Network, underscores that 202 MNAs, or 65 percent of the current membership, were present during the first sitting, marking the highest attendance. In contrast, the fourth sitting experienced the lowest turnout with only 144 MNAs, or 46 percent, present.

A significant 77 percent of MNAs missed at least one sitting during the session. Notably, 25 percent of those who skipped sessions submitted formal leave applications, while the remaining 75 percent did not provide any prior notice for their absence.

The report also sheds light on the attendance of cabinet members, with four federal ministers and two state ministers attending all sittings. In contrast, the Prime Minister did not attend any session, while the Leader of the Opposition was present for three out of five sittings, marking a 60 percent attendance rate.

The findings reflect ongoing challenges in ensuring consistent participation among lawmakers in the country’s legislative processes.