Pakistan

Sanjrani offers to resign, present himself for accountability

Senate chairman defends increase in perks, saying it prevents misconduct

Our Correspondent June 28, 2023

LAHORE:

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, in the face of criticism surrounding a bill aimed at enhancing privileges for past and future heads of the upper house of parliament, has offered to tender his resignation and subject himself to accountability.

The bill, which had been adopted by the Senate earlier this month, proposed the provision of a lifetime security detail for no less than 10 individuals of former Senate chairmen, alongside government-covered travel expenses for their domestic staff and family members.

Currently, the proposed law awaits consideration by the National Assembly (NA).

Defending the bill, Sanjrani asserted that its purpose was to bring order and address audit concerns, assuring that it would not add any further burden to the national exchequer.

However, the Pakistan Peoples Party expressed its inability to lend support given the country's economic situation.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) also criticised the proposed law, citing its potential to further strain an already troubled economy.

Addressing concerns and inquiries surrounding the bill, Sanjrani, in an interview with a local TV channel, emphasised that he had never sought any salary raises or claimed travel or daily allowances.

He went on to highlight that he and his wife personally covered their household expenses.

"I am prepared to face accountability, and I advocate for an audit to be conducted. If any wrongdoing is proven, I will step down from my position in the Senate," Sanjrani declared.

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While acknowledging the prestigious nature of the Senate chairman's role, he clarified that he did not receive any perks. Looking ahead, Sanjrani suggested that if the country's circumstances improved, the Senate chairman should be entitled to 10 planes rather than just one.

"In certain quarters, there were insinuations that the Senate chairman is acquiring planes, but I firmly believe that when Pakistan achieves prosperity and effectively addresses the issues faced by its people, then the chairman should possess 10 planes instead of just one," he remarked.

Urging for representatives to be provided with adequate perks to facilitate their work, he questioned why they were being pushed towards engaging in misconduct.

Sanjrani also highlighted the existence of senators who relied solely on their salaries.