The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill to increase the salaries and benefits of its members amid strong opposition protests.
The opposition tried to disrupt proceedings by pointing out the lack of quorum, but their efforts failed for the second consecutive day.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq criticised the opposition for taking full salaries while simultaneously protesting the increase. “Instead of making speeches, those who oppose the additional salary should submit a written statement refusing it,” he remarked.
During the session, opposition members attempted to adjourn the proceedings by pointing out the quorum. However, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reminded them that similar tactics were used in the past. “The same people who previously called assemblies fake are now taking salaries. Assemblies are only ‘fake’ when they are not in power; otherwise it is legitimate,” he stated.
Omar Ayub’s remarks expunged
Opposition leader Omer Ayub harshly criticised the government, using many words deemed inappropriate, which were later expunged from the official record.
He asserted that nobody could go to Balochistan without protocol, adding that the province was on fire and their members were being persecuted. He also mentioned the alleged raids at the homes of PTI leaders Ahmed Chattha and Osama Mela, and claimed PTI Founder Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, had been convicted in a fake case.
Omer Ayub stated that the government claims inflation has dropped, adding that they should be ashamed for saying this. Government members protested against the opposition leader's speech.
The speaker also told the opposition leader not to use such language being a senior lawmaker. Omer Ayub protested at his microphone being turned off, which the speaker negated as untrue.
He further complained that they never got answers to any of their questions whether it is about the salaries of the SIFC team. “Should we then ask you how much the number of mules increased this year?” Ayub questioned, accusing the speaker of disrespecting the National Assembly.
Omer also complained that their detained lawmakers are not produced in the House despite their production order being issued. “Then you’re talking about negotiations? Talks cannot take place like this,” he asserted.
As opposition members again pointed out the quorum, the speaker adjourned the session until 2pm on Wednesday instead of conducting a recount.
PTI divided over salary increase
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar opposed the salary hike, arguing that parliamentarians do not need it. “Anyone who can contest elections by spending crores of rupees does not require a pay raise. Sixty percent of the population lives below the poverty line -- they should be our priority,” he said.
He further said that there were 342 members of the assembly and their salaries should not be increased under any circumstances. He criticised the government, stating that raising salaries contradicts its own claims of economic improvement.
In contrast, PTI MNA Zartaj Gul supported the salary increase, stating that if the Punjab Assembly members can receive a hike, why can National Assembly members not. “Elected representatives hold a higher status than Grade 22 officers; in such a case, their salaries should also be reduced,” she argued.
She further remarked that there were certain white-collar MNAs that could not make ends meet.
