ISLAMABAD: A recent report from the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) shows that 276 of the 332 MNAs missed at least one sitting during the 23rd National Assembly session from January 12 to 22. Only 56 members, about 17%, attended every sitting. 47 members (14%) were absent for the whole session. Among federal cabinet ministers, only Khalid Hussain Magsi from the Balochistan Awami Party attended all sittings. Seven ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal and Abdul Aleem Khan, did not attend any. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also missed every sitting. Prominent figures like former PM Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were absent for all sessions as well. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Chaudhry Tanvir Hussain, and Raza Hayat Hiraj attended just one of seven sittings. Additionally, PM Shehbaz's son Hamza Shehbaz, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani's son Ali Musa Gilani, and PPP leader Aseefa Bhutto's attendance was sparse. Leader of the Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai attended all sittings after January 16. The highest attendance was recorded on the sixth sitting with 222 MNAs (67%). The third sitting had the lowest, with only 135 MNAs (41%). On the day with highest turnout, the Assembly passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Corporate Social Responsibility Bill, 2025. Fafen urged Parliament to strengthen oversight by using Article 66 of the Constitution to grant committees real enforcement powers. They warned the lack of this legislation weakens scrutiny of the government. The International Monetary Fund has also flagged concerns about limited transparency and executive dominance. The 23rd session highlighted significant absenteeism among Pakistan’s lawmakers, raising questions about legislative commitment and oversight.