PPP rejects Chairman Senate Salaries and Privileges Bill

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has rejected the ‘The Chairman Senate (Salaries, Allowances and Privileges) Bill, 2023, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

In a statement, Federal Minister and PPP leader Shazia Marri said that the party had rejected the bill under which special incentives had been given to the Senate chairman.

Distancing her party from the ‘controversial legislation’, PPP leader said that the party would oppose such a move in the parliament, which was not acceptable at all amid serious economic challenges.

She further said that the party had conveyed “to its members and allies loud and clear” that it won’t support any such legislation at a time when the country is facing serious economic challenges.

“We can’t afford such legislation when the country is facing a serious economic crisis and people are struggling to make both ends meet,” Shazia said.

Under the bill, extraordinary facilities have been provided to the Upper House chairman and his family at the cost of public money, particularly in these times of inflation.

According to the bill, the Senate chairman may on his election draw Rs5,000. He will receive Rs50,000 sumptuary allowance per month, while he and his family will be entitled to an official vehicle as well.

Besides travelling expenses of the Senate chairman and his family, the transportation and accommodation costs of his two servants will also be borne by the state.

If the chairman chooses to reside in his own house, he will get Rs250,000 per month “to cover all expenses on its maintenance”. If his house has not furniture or furnishings, they will be provided at the cost of public money.

The chairman may establish a residential office, which will be furnished and facilitated at government expense.

The Senate chairman will be entitled to free-of-cost telephones at his residence for calls within the country.

When travelling for official purposes, he will be treated as a first-grade officer. He can also take two of his servants along with him on public money.