PA flags low wages, overcrowded jails

The Punjab Assembly (PA) on Wednesday voiced strong concern over what lawmakers described as "inhumane" salaries for Zakat and Ushr employees, while also highlighting severe overcrowding in prisons across the province.

The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, was dominated by criticism of the pay structure in the Zakat and Ushr Department, with members warning that extremely low wages could lead to corruption at the grassroots level.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that some clerks are earning as little as Rs20,240 per month. Expressing concern, the speaker questioned how employees could sustain themselves on such salaries, terming it a violation of basic rights.

He rejected the justification that limited working hours warranted low pay and directed that the matter be referred to the Zakat and Ushr Committee.

The committee has been asked to present a detailed report in the next session, including clarification on the legal status of the employees.

Lawmaker Amjad Ali Javed cautioned that inadequate salaries could push workers towards corrupt practices, while other members stressed the need to strengthen financial support for deserving segments, particularly students.

The session began with a 55-minute delay and opened with prayers for martyred Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Hussain before taking up the question hour related to the Zakat and Ushr Department.

The speaker also noted that welfare initiatives such as the Rahmat Card were receiving significant public response, with more than 200,000 applications submitted so far.

Separately, the House discussed the issue of overcrowding in Punjab's prisons.

Lawmakers pointed out that 45 jails with a total capacity of around 38,000 inmates are currently housing over 71,000 prisoners.

Treasury lawmaker Tahira Mushtaq highlighted the situation in specific facilities, stating that Adiala Jail is accommodating around 8,000 inmates against a capacity of just over 2,000, while Bahawalpur Jail is holding 770 prisoners despite having space for only 176.

Parliamentary Secretary Khalid Ranjha acknowledged the overcrowding and said new prisons were being constructed to address the issue.

Members also raised concerns about inadequate medical facilities for inmates.

The session witnessed brief disruption when opposition member Shoaib Amir pointed out a lack of quorum. Proceedings resumed after the required number of members was met under the chair of Samiullah Khan.