News Desk |
Prime minister Imran Khan has expressed disappointment over the increase in salaries of Punjab assembly ministers, especially Chief Minister.
The premier took to the Twitter and wrote: “I am extremely disappointed by the decision of Punjab Assembly to raise pays & privileges of MPs, Ministers & esp CM. Once prosperity returns to Pak such a move could be justified, but now, when we do not have resources to provide basic amenities to all our people, this is untenable” he added.
I am extremely disappointed by decision of Punjab Assembly to raise pays & privileges of MPAs, Ministers & esp CM. Once prosperity returns to Pak such a move cld be justified, but now, when we do not have resources to provide basic amenities to all our people, this is untenable
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 14, 2019
The Punjab assembly had on Wednesday passed a bill, increasing the salaries of assembly members; assembly speaker’s salary increased from Rs37, 000 to Rs200, 000 per month, deputy speaker’s salary from Rs35, 000 to Rs185, 000. Salaries of MPs’ jumped from Rs18, 000 to Rs80, 000 while their utility entitlements increased from Rs120, 000 to Rs200, 000.
The salary package of Pakistan’s premier is said to be starkly low when compared with its counterpart globally. India’s Prime Minister receives 30 lacs, China’s President receives 22 lacs, and Egypt’s President receives 7 lacs.
Whereas, Prime Minister Khan has been drawing salary less than the chief ministers of four provinces and federal ministers. With a basic salary of Rs 107,280, the premier is given Rs50,000 Sumptuary Allowance, Adhoc Relief Allowance 21,456, Adhoc Allowance 12,110 and Adhoc Relief All 10,728. After adding the allowances the prime minister is entitled to a gross salary of Rs201,574 which is reduced to 196,979 after tax and other deductions.
However; each senator is paid Rs400,000, MNAs Rs350,000, federal ministers 235,000 and state minister Rs2,15,000. On the other hand, the package of the judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan is said to be around 9 lacs exclusive of all the allowances, it is said to be ten times higher than premier’s complete package. They are also given the facility of lifetime pension and the amount is reduced to half if given to a widow.
The salary package of Pakistan’s premier is said to be starkly low when compared with its counterpart globally. India’s Prime Minister receives 30 lacs, China’s President receives 22 lacs, and Egypt’s President receives 7 lacs.
Read more: Chaudhry Nisar demands pay raise but Nawaz Sharif has gone bankrupt
The analysts have asserted to uplift the financial package for premiers of Pakistan. They argue that premiers can perform well if free from financial constraints.