Senate rejects bill seeking 100% raise in lawmakers' salaries

Majority of senators say timing of bill not appropriate due to sluggish economic growth

ISLAMABAD: The upper house of parliament on Monday rejected a bill seeking an increase in the salaries of lawmakers after majority of the members belong to both opposition and government termed it "inappropriate" owing to economic slowdown in the country.

The draft Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill which was tabled by Senator Naseebullah Bazai, called for an increase in the monthly pay of Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker from Rs225,000 to Rs879,000 to match the salaries of Supreme Court judges.

It also sought a raise in the remuneration of the Senate deputy chairman and National Assembly deputy speaker to match those of Islamabad High Court judges.

Moreover, the bill further called for a 100% raise in the salaries of member of parliament from Rs150,000 to Rs300,000.

Speaking on the floor of the house, Senator Naseebullah said that parliamentarians were being paid meagre salaries compared to judges, bureaucrats, heads of regulatory authorities and members of board of directors.



He said both the offices of the Senate chairman and NA speaker are highly esteemed hence their salaries and other perks should be increased.

Opposing the proposed bill, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Khan Swati said it was contrary to the Constitution to table the bill in Senate saying "such money bill could only be moved in the National Assembly".

He said it was not an appropriate time to table such bill as the country is facing economic crunch, adding that the government is making efforts to over come inflation and provide maximum relief to common people.

PTI Senator Faisal Javed said that the issue should be thoroughly debated but it was not an appropriate time to enhance the salary and allowance of the parliamentarians.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had also refused to increase his salary and as part of the PM's austerity drive all camp offices of premier and president had been closed down.

"We are public representatives and our salary and perks should not be enhanced at this stage," Faisal said.

Opposition Senator Sherry Rehman concurred with the argument that the salaries of the parliamentarians are not in par with the state institutions. However, she opposed the increase citing the economic recession in the country.

With additional input from APP.