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

The five-day session, consisting of three sittings, was marred by low attendance, weak ministerial participation, and a complete absence of the Prime Minister, despite the agenda being dominated by discussions on the country’s worsening flood situation.

According to FAFEN’s findings, only 111 lawmakers (34 percent) attended all sittings, while 216 MNAs (66 percent) skipped at least one session. Of these absentees, 166 failed to submit formal leave applications. The final day of the session saw the lowest attendance, with just 159 members—less than half of the total strength—present in the House.

The report noted that 15 federal and state ministers, including 10 with full federal portfolios, were absent throughout the entire session. Despite the Assembly suspending its regular business to prioritize flood-related deliberations, only one minister attended the designated Question Hour.

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

However, FAFEN acknowledged that four federal ministers and one minister of state maintained full attendance during the session. It also commended female lawmakers for showing higher participation rates compared to their male counterparts.

The watchdog further highlighted that the Leader of the Opposition seat remained vacant, weakening parliamentary oversight at a time when effective governance and scrutiny were most needed.