Islamabad: Members of the National Assembly are now required to provide a 15-day advance notice for questions they intend to ask ministers, a procedural change aimed at ensuring ministers have adequate time to prepare comprehensive responses. The notice period, which may only be shortened with the consent of the Speaker and the agreement of the concerned Minister, is part of a broader effort to enhance the transparency and accountability of parliamentary proceedings.
According to Free and Fair Election Network, the new rule stipulates that any question filed must await at least two weeks before it can be officially answered. This requirement is designed to prevent the government from avoiding difficult questions by proroguing sessions prematurely. Questions left unanswered during a prorogued session will be automatically included in the ballot for the subsequent session, ensuring that critical issues are not neglected.
The 15-day notice period also has implications for citizens wishing to engage in advocacy through their elected representatives. It necessitates strategic planning for those who wish to have specific matters addressed in the National Assembly. Advocacy groups and individuals must ensure that their questions are drafted and submitted well in advance to meet procedural deadlines.
The National Assembly's proceedings are governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, which have been amended 21 times since their passage, with the most recent amendment taking place on October 22, 2024.