Karachi:
A SINDH assembly committee has given the green light to a large increase in wages and perks from provincial legislators and approved an almost 200 percent increase.
The committee for 18 members, chairman of the speaker Owais Qadir Shah, met on Wednesday and agreed to raise MPAS’s monthly salary and allowances from the existing RS150,000 to RS430,000.
Pakistan Peoples Party Lawmaker and committee member Imtiaz Shaikh told The Express Pakinomist that the panel had undergone compensation packages in other provincial lawmakers. “It was pointed out that Sindh legislators’ wages are lower compared to other assemblies and should be brought closer to these levels,” he said.
As a reference, members of the Punjab assembly are currently drawing around RS500,000 per year. Month in wages and quotas.
In addition to the salary increase, the committee also approved increases in annual quotas and daily session allowances for legislators. A separate proposal is prepared to revise the Minister of Salary’s salary and perks, speeches, vice president, ministers, opposition leader and parliamentary secretaries through legislation.
The meeting attended Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar with members of Pakistan Peoples Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf-supported legislators. The Sindh Assembly on August 9 had passed a bill that increased the members’ wages and privileges.
The bill was moved by Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar during a session President of Spoken Syed Awais Qadir Shah. The house unanimously approved the wage and quota proposal, which was previously cleared by the provincial cabinet. The new law offsets privileges for MPAs – both from government and opposition – covers hospitality, rent, utilities, daily and transport allowances, accommodation, travel and mileage, telephone and medical facilities as well as office maintenance.
The head of the opposition will now receive the same salary and perks as the Minister of Provincial. Parliamentary committee chairmen have the right to use an official vehicle – with fuel and maintenance – but must return it within three days of leaving the position.
