Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Omar Sarfaraz Cheema on Thursday demanded Punjab provincial assembly to take back its decision regarding increase in salaries of the lawmakers. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed deep disappointment over the decision of Punjab Assembly.
Talking to journalists, Cheema said that Prime Minister Imran Khan set an example by introducing austerity drive and the Punjab lawmakers should also follow his footprints. "The MPAs should come forward and render sacrifice for the nation at this difficult time," he added. He said that after PM Khan's statement, the situation has become crystal clear and hoped that the Punjab Assembly will reverse its decision.
The Punjab Assembly had unanimously passed a bill increasing the salary, allowances, perks and privileges of each legislator. Under the bill, salaries of the speaker and deputy speaker have been increased to Rs 260,000 and Rs 245,000, respectively. The chief minister will now draw Rs 425,000 per month. The salary of a minister has been increased to Rs 275,000 and an MPA will now draw Rs195,000 per month.