Amid simmering tensions between the government and opposition over the Panama Papers issue, the lawmakers from both sides came together to demand a five-fold increase in their salaries and perks.
The House unanimously adopted a motion to increase their salaries five times as the present remuneration is ‘meagre’ and ‘not commensurate with their status’.
The motion was presented by Chaudhry Bashir Virk, who is acting Chairman of the Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges.
A House otherwise divided along party lines stood united when it came to salaries, perks and allowances. It has been proposed in the motion that basic salary be increased from the current Rs 36,000 to Rs 200,000, a five and a half times increase. The salaries of National Assembly speaker and the Senate chairman have been proposed to be increased to Rs 400,000 while the salaries of deputy speaker and deputy Senate chairman have been set at Rs 350,000.
The parliamentarians have also sought an increase in their transport allowance from Rs 7,000 when on duty per day to rupees 50,000 per month. They also want the increase in the number of business class return tickets from 20 to 30. The parliamentarians also want to double their travel allowance from the current Rs 10 to Rs 20.
The motion also proposed an increase in IT and phone allowance, introduction of monthly utility allowance to the tune of Rs 50,000 and increase in the sum allocated for maintenance of offices from the previous Rs 8,000 to Rs 100,000.
It is, however, pertinent to note that the federal parliamentarians are drawing less in salary than members of the Balochistan Assembly.
The parliamentarians in Pakistan also have the opportunity to get the best medical care in or outside the country free of cost. The medical allowance of parliamentarians was limitless and will remain so.
The general impression among the legislators is that they are not being paid enough. A parliamentarian on condition of anonymity confided in Pakistan Today that with the present salary, it is even hard to fuel their cars let alone run a kitchen.
“If one wants to do politics in Pakistan, he or she better spend money like water,” she said, and added, “One has to maintain multiple residences, keep security, spend money on various occasions, attend many functions and move around. It is a 24/7 job and an increase in salary will help us in cover some of the expenses.”
Sure they deserve the rise even if do not pay taxes (not even Utility bills), do not regularly attend, some have not opened their mouth in debates during last three years, can not get medical treatment locally for common cold, can not sit on the streets like clerks to protest. Aur phir barhti hui mengai se bhi pareshan hain BECHARE.
Such Parliament must be dissolved forthwith. There couldn’t be better proof of a corrupt gang of looters land grabers and bhutta khors who call themselves people’s representatives. This is far serious a crime against poor people of Pakistan than Panama. Shame on PTI and its members who are no different from the rest.
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