PM summons Punjab CM over bill approving increase in Punjab lawmakers’ salaries

Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for a meeting on Monday over the recent approval of a bill by the Punjab Assembly seeking an increase in members' salaries.

The bill to raise the salaries of public representatives sailed through the Punjab Assembly on March 13 with complete consensus. After the bill's approval, the salaries and fringe benefits of all assembly members, including the chief minister, ministers, the speaker and the deputy speaker were raised.

Following the Punjab Assembly's approval of the bill, the prime minister expressed disappointment and called  the decision untenable at a time when Pakistan is struggling with providing basic amenities to citizens. The premier further said that this move by the Punjab Assembly could be justified if the country prospered.

I am extremely disappointed by decision of Punjab Assembly to raise pays & privileges of MPAs, Ministers & esp CM. Once prosperity returns to Pak such a move cld be justified, but now, when we do not have resources to provide basic amenities to all our people, this is untenable

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 14, 2019