ISLAMABAD: In a shocking revelation that underscores the growing disconnect between Pakistan’s leadership and its parliamentary duties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were completely absent from every single sitting of the National Assembly’s 23rd session. This comes at a time when the nation grapples with severe economic challenges and deepening political divides.
The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) released a damning report detailing the session, which ran from January 12 to 22. Out of 332 members, 276 missed at least one sitting, while a staggering 56 members—17% of the house—were absent throughout. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former PM Nawaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari topped the list of high-profile no-shows.
Among cabinet members, only one federal minister, Khalid Hussain Magsi from Balochistan Awami Party, attended all meetings. Seven ministers skipped every single one. The Express Tribune lambasted this trend, stating, ‘Persistent absenteeism is hollowing out the process and mocking democracy.’ It highlighted how leaders at the top treat parliament as optional, setting a poor example for subordinates.
The report notes one bill drew a peak attendance of 222 members—ironically, one benefiting parliamentarians themselves. The Tribune’s editorial sarcastically remarked that lawmakers show up only when personal interests are at stake, not for routine governance or executive oversight.
FAFEN pointed out similar patterns in prior sessions, like the 19th session in September 2025 where a quarter of members were entirely absent. Experts warn this erodes public trust in democracy, as top leaders shun the very institution meant to represent the people. With Pakistan’s economy in crisis, such negligence raises serious questions about governance priorities.