Massive salary hike in punjab assembly

The Punjab Assembly has recently approved the Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representatives Bill 2024, resulting in substantial salary increases for its members and officials. The bill was passed during a session chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who defended the legislation as a constitutional right aligned with the 1972 Parliamentary Act.

Under the new bill, the salary adjustments are as follows:

- Provincial Ministers: Increase from Rs100,000 to Rs960,000.

- Speaker of the Assembly: Increase from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000.

- Deputy Speaker: Increase from Rs120,000 to Rs800,000.

- Parliamentary Secretaries: Increase from Rs83,000 to Rs451,000.

- Advisors and Special Assistants to the Chief Minister: Increase from Rs100,000 to Rs665,000.

- Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs): Increase from Rs76,000 to Rs400,000.

These adjustments represent increases ranging from approximately 426% for MPAs to 860% for ministers.

The bill's passage has sparked debate, with opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bachar questioning its legitimacy and compliance with the Parliamentary Laws Act of 1972. However, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan assured the assembly that the bill was in full accordance with existing laws and praised the government's decision as a positive and well-justified step.

This significant pay raise has drawn criticism, especially considering Pakistan's current economic challenges. During a recent press briefing, a journalist questioned the appropriateness of such a massive pay hike in a country grappling with widespread poverty. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded that the issue was a matter for Pakistan's citizens and their government, emphasizing that the US does