K-P speaker, deputy set for enhanced privileges

PESHAWAR:

The latest amendments proposed to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Speaker and Deputy Speaker's (Salaries, Allowances and Privileges) Act, 1975, seek to expand a range of special benefits for the offices overseeing the provincial assembly.

According to details of the amendment bill tabled in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, which have now come to light, after retirement, they would also be entitled to staff from the Assembly Secretariat, including at least one private secretary (BPS-17), an assistant, a cook, a naib qasid (office attendant) and a driver.

Provisions have also been suggested to grant them immunity from arrest, prevent law-enforcement agencies from conducting raids at their residences, and allow them to continue using official perks even after the dissolution of the assembly while still holding their respective titles.

The draft amendments would be presented to the assembly for approval after receiving cabinet clearance.

According to the bill, the authority to determine the salaries of the speaker, his deputy and members of the assembly would rest with the finance authorities. A finance committee would decide the scale of any salary increases.

The amendments also propose immunity from arrest for the speaker and deputy speaker and restrictions on law enforcement agencies from raiding their residences. Additionally, it is recommended that they continue to enjoy official privileges even after the assembly is dissolved.

Under the act, if official accommodation is not provided, then they would be entitled to receive rent and other expenses, with the amount to be determined by the finance committee. They would also be entitled to two telephone connections, including internet access, at both office and residence, as well as one mobile phone.

Travel expenses—whether by air, rail, or road—would be covered for both domestic and international trips, including for their spouse and children. They would also be allowed to take two staff members along during official visits.

The amendments further propose granting the speaker and deputy speaker the authority to hire government helicopters, airplanes, or Pakistan Air Force aircraft for official purposes. The speaker would act as the controlling officer for financial matters for both himself and the deputy speaker.