FAFEN Report Reveals Low Attendance in National Assembly’s 27th Session, PM Missed All Sittings

The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released a report highlighting attendance trends during the 27th session of Pakistan’s National Assembly, held between May 11 and May 22, 2026.

According to the report, only 66 out of 333 lawmakers, representing 20 percent of the House, attended all nine sittings of the session. Meanwhile, 33 members, or 10 percent of the total membership, did not attend a single sitting.

The first sitting recorded the highest attendance, with 249 members present, accounting for 75 percent of the House. In contrast, the fifth sitting saw the lowest attendance, with only 164 members present, or 49 percent of the membership.

The report noted that 267 lawmakers, equivalent to 80 percent of the National Assembly, missed at least one sitting during the session.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not attend any of the nine sittings, while the Leader of the Opposition maintained full attendance throughout the session.

Among cabinet members elected from the National Assembly, only one federal minister and one minister of state attended all sittings. Meanwhile, one federal minister and one minister of state failed to attend any sitting.

FAFEN also highlighted participation during parliamentary oversight proceedings. Of the 26 federal ministers scheduled to answer questions during Question Hour, only 12 were present on the day they were required to respond. Similarly, of the eight ministers expected to respond to Calling Attention Notices, only three were marked present.

The report has raised concerns about parliamentary participation and accountability, emphasizing the importance of lawmakers’ attendance in ensuring effective legislation and government oversight.