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PM, Punjab CM discuss raise in salaries of MPAs

PM, Punjab CM discuss raise in salaries of MPAs
March 19, 2019
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar called on Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan at his office on Monday. During the meeting, they discussed raise in salaries and perks of members of provincial assembly (MPAs). They also exchanged views on the development projects and other issues in the meeting. The Punjab chief minister briefed the prime minister on current political and security situation of the province. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A6Ijt097cY
Punjab governor barred to sign summary seeking raise in MPAs’ salaries
Earlier, on violation of austerity campaign, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has directed the Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar to hold summary recommending an increase into salaries and perks of provincial legislators. Governor Sarwar has been barred to sign summary which would approve hike in salaries and privileges to provincial lawmakers. The prime minister has directed to re-introduce the bill in the Punjab Assembly and immediate review on life-time facilities to the provincial lawmakers. PM Khan opposed Punjab government’s decision for allotment of a residence to the chief minister for whole life. The premier suggests limiting the duration up to three months, sources added.
PM disappointed by raise in pay, privileges of Punjab MPAs
PM Imran Khan has expressed disappointment over an increase in the salaries and privileges of the Punjab MPAs, ministers and chief minister. In a tweet, he said that once prosperity returns to Pakistan 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 said. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Ch said that it seems the Punjab government and the CM House is in the dark about the PM and the federal government’s austerity policies otherwise such sham exercise of awarding huge benefits to themselves would not have happened. Opposing the raise in salaries, Punjab Minister for Sports Taimoor Bhatti said those contesting the elections need not the increase in their salaries.
PA passes bill raising salaries of lawmakers
On March 13, the Punjab Assembly (PA) unanimously passed a bill increasing the salary, allowances, perks and privileges to each legislator. Under the bill, salaries of the speaker and deputy speaker have been increased to Rs260,000 and Rs245,000, respectively. The chief minister will now draw Rs425,000 per month. The salary of a minister has been increased to Rs275,000 and an MPA will now draw Rs195,000 per month. Besides salary, each legislator will receive an additional amount of Rs50,000 per month as house rent. Former chief ministers, who do not have their own house in Lahore, would be given official residence in the provincial capital.