CM Buzdar tells PM entire assembly decided for increase in pay, perks of members: sources

ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar on Monday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and explained to him that the decision to increase salaries and perks of provincial lawmakers was made by the entire assembly, sources informed Geo News.

In his explanation, the sources said, the Punjab chief minister told the premier that he fully agreed with the latter's vision of simplicity and austerity.

During the meeting, CM Buzdar also discussed with PM Khan the political scenario, proposed local body system and government affairs in Punjab, the sources added.

PM disappointed over Punjab Assembly decision to raise salaries, perks of MPs, ministers

Once prosperity returns to Pakistan such a move could be justified but is untenable right now, says PM Imran

It is pertinent to note here that the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday increased the salaries, perks and privileges of its members to more than double after making legislation in record haste, within 24 hours of tabling the bill concerned. 

The unanimously-passed legislation was tabled as a private bill by the treasury’s Ghazanfar Abbas Cheena on a private members day on Tuesday.

The bill ended up as a unanimous bill since none of the members opposed it from both sides, except PPP’s parliamentary leader Hasan Murtaza. It was unanimously passed after a standing committee also gave its approval within a few minutes of discussion.

However, the implementation of the bill was stopped after the prime minister expressed his disappointment over it.