Government proposal: Power to bestow oneself perks may be clipped

Dr Fehmida Mirza had announced lifetime perks for all former lower house speakers.


Our Correspondent June 27, 2013
Dr Fehmida Mirza. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:


The federal government has proposed withdrawing the powers of the National Assembly speaker and Senate chairperson allowing the holders of the offices to grant themselves unlimited privileges, along with drastically slashing the travel allowance of parliamentarians, in a bid to stem the misuse of taxpayers’ money.


The government has proposed an amendment in the Chairman and National Assembly Speaker Salaries, Allowances and Privileges Act of 1975 through the Finance Bill 2013, recommending that the powers of the NA speaker and Senate chairperson allowing them to announce unlimited perks for themselves be restricted. The move appears a response to previous NA speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza’s decision to grant herself and all former NA speakers lifetime benefits.

The Pakistan Peoples Party government in 2010 granted unchecked powers to the holders of the two offices, an opportunity fully exploited by Dr Mirza. While chairing an NA Finance Committee just three days before the end of her five-year tenure, she announced lifetime benefits for all former NA speakers. The benefits include free healthcare services anywhere in the world, a 12 person staff and chauffer-driven 1,600cc car, all at taxpayers’ expense.



The government has also proposed an amendment in the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances Act of 1974 through the Finance Bill 2012, recommending a slash in the travel allowance of parliamentarians while the NA is in session.

In 2012, the PPP government allowed parliamentarians an unlimited number of business class return tickets. All members of parliament received free air tickets to attend the session of the house and then return to their homes. They also received a daily Rs2,000 house allowance, another Rs1,000 daily allowance and Rs700 conveyance allowance in addition to the unlimited business class return tickets.

According to an official of the finance ministry, certain members elected from Karachi had claimed close to a dozen business class tickets during the session, costing taxpayers Rs1 million per MNA.

Previously, parliamentarians were only entitled to a daily Rs3,700 travel allowance – an aggregate of the daily, conveyance and housing allowances. The amendment proposed in the Finance Bill 2013 seeks to restore the previous travel allowance.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2013.

COMMENTS (5)

Patriot | 10 years ago | Reply

A thoroughly condemnable action by the PPP Govt who are never tired of raising slogan of 'awami' party, party for the poor...........

SK | 10 years ago | Reply

At least a first PMLN step in a right direction. Lets hope it is not an empty , hollow , political stunt of the Party. If it is able to turn the recommendation into legislation and implement it across the board . It would be a huge step towards the accountability of legislatures and the party's credibility will rise sharply. Self acquisition and self gratification of its predecessor has driven this country to financial bankruptcy and economic disintegration.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ