How were the first 100 days of PM Shehbaz-led coalition government?

The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has issued a report detailing the progress of the first 100 days of the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif's government.

The federal government is all set to present its first annual budget 2024-25 today (Wednesday).

According to the FAFEN report, the government is a slow pacer in legislation similar to its predecessor, the PTI-led government.

The 16th National Assembly approved only a single bill during the first 100 days of the lower house meeting.   

The house held 23 sittings of over 66 hours and 33 minutes, to which the speaker and deputy speaker chaired 84 percent of proceedings. It served 30 percent of the plenary time of the meetings in Points of Order, while five percent was spent in breaks. 

However, Premier Shehbaz attended only 10 percent of sessions compared to 26 percent of predecessors during 100 days of their respective terms.

The Assembly standing committee was elected on May 17, taking two months for the formation against the Rule that stressed the authorities to form a committee within 30 days after the election of the leader of the House.

The House addressed 76 percent of its business, including 20 legislative bills, 93 questions, 28 Calling Attention Notices (CANs), and 11 resolutions.

However, the electoral issue of 26 reserve seats could not be resolved, as the legal dispute was awaiting the Supreme Court’s order. 

Apart from this, the FAFEN report stated that during heightened polarisation and unresolved electoral controversies, the House encouraged bipartisanship by providing 54 percent of the time to the Opposition for their point of order.