ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) reviewed legislative performance and effectiveness of 16th National Assembly during its second parliamentary year.
It noted that while the Assembly recorded highest legislative output among recent assemblies, it continued to exhibit structural weaknesses in attendance, agenda management, executive engagement, and deliberative scrutiny.
According to the report, accelerated pace of legislation often occurred within compressed timeframes, limiting opportunities for detailed parliamentary debate and committee review.
The second parliamentary year of 16th National Assembly covered the period from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
Despite sustained political polarisation and institutional strain, the Assembly demonstrated heightened legislative activity alongside ongoing structural and procedural challenges.
During this period the Assembly held 84 sittings, compared to 93 in the first year (a 9.7pc decline). Total working hours increased to 231 hours, up from 212 hours in the first year, indicating longer sittings despite fewer working days.
The Assembly passed 59 bills in its second year, compared to an average of 21.75 bills passed during second years of 12th to 15th National Assemblies - making 16th Assembly the most legislatively productive among recent assemblies.
Reliance on ordinances declined to 8, down from 16 in the first year, suggesting relatively reduced executive-driven legislation.
Among the most significant developments was passage of 27th Constitutional Amendment, introducing structural changes affecting judicial appointments and institutional balance.
The Assembly also passed Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which restricted public access to legislators’ asset declarations by granting discretionary authority to withhold such information on security grounds.
However, rapid processing of major laws raised concerns regarding limited committee scrutiny and restricted clause-by-clause deliberation.
47.59pc of scheduled daily agenda items remained incomplete (slightly improved from 49.18pc in the first year).
Average MNA attendance declined to 58.80pc, compared to 66.29pc in the first year. Quorum was pointed out 19 times.
8 sittings were adjourned due to lack of quorum. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 7pc attendance rate was substantially lower than his 18pc attendance during first year.
Imran Khan attended 18 out of 96 sittings (19pc) in second year of 15th National Assembly. Nawaz Sharif attended 7 out of 103 sittings (7pc) during second year of 14th National Assembly.
The report notes low prime ministerial attendance has historically been consistent, though current rate matches one of lowest recorded levels.
The two Leaders of Opposition cumulatively attended 33 out of 84 sittings (39pc). Omar Ayub attended 21 out of 40 sittings (53pc) before his disqualification on August 5, 2025.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai assumed office on January 16, 2026, and attended all 12 sittings thereafter (100pc).
The office of the Leader of Opposition remained vacant from August 5, 2025, to January 16, 2026, limiting structured government-opposition engagement during a critical period.
The Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution in May 2025 during heightened India-Pakistan tensions, affirming Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The year also witnessed an unprecedented multi-day sit-in inside Parliament House by opposition lawmakers over health concerns of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, reflecting intense political polarisation.
Three joint sittings of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) were convened:
March 10, 2025 - held under Article 56(3) for Presidential Address marking the start of second parliamentary year.
Attendance: 245 MNAs (72.9pc) and 60 Senators (63.8pc). Asif Ali Zardari delivered the address from 3:17pm. to 3:50pm.
Proceedings were marked by protests from Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)/PTI members.
December 2, 2025 - lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Attendance: 233 MNAs (69.3pc) and 67 Senators (71pc).
While 16th National Assembly recorded its highest legislative output compared to recent assemblies, the report highlights persistent weaknesses in attendance, executive engagement, structured opposition participation, and thorough legislative scrutiny.
