The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representatives Bill 2024, sparking widespread outrage. This controversial bill has significantly increased the salaries of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), ministers, the speaker, and other officials, with pay hikes ranging from 426% for MPAs to an astonishing 860% for ministers. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and fueled rumors of underlying political motivations.
PTI Labels the Pay Raise a “Misuse of Public Funds”
Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI’s Central Information Secretary, strongly condemned the legislation, calling it “an open robbery of the public treasury” in a time of dire economic distress.
Akram accused the government of using public funds to “buy loyalty” and appease political allies. Rumors are circulating that this salary hike is part of a larger strategy to secure votes in upcoming elections. These allegations suggest that the ruling coalition is leveraging this pay increase to strengthen internal support amidst declining public trust.
The people are suffering under the weight of hunger and unemployment, yet taxpayers’ money is being distributed to those rejected by the people,” Akram stated.
Speculation Over Secret Allowances
In addition to the pay raises, whispers in political circles hint at undisclosed perks and allowances being granted to select officials. These rumored benefits reportedly include luxury vehicles, personal security upgrades, and increased travel allowances. Critics argue that these unconfirmed allowances could further strain public finances.
Economic and Political Implications
Akram also highlighted the disparity in resource allocation, accusing the Punjab government of favoring Lahore at the expense of other regions.
He further criticized the ruling coalition for attempting to use Pakistan-China relations to mask domestic failures. Rumors suggest that the government has sought to negotiate additional loans with foreign allies, particularly China, while ignoring internal economic reforms.
The bill was introduced by Provincial Minister Mujtaba Shuja and passed with a majority vote despite resistance from the opposition. Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar raised concerns about the bill’s compliance with parliamentary laws, but Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan defended it as a “positive step.”
Public Backlash
The salary hike and associated rumors of corruption come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with record inflation and rising unemployment. Public sentiment has turned increasingly critical, with many accusing the government of prioritizing personal gains over national welfare.
Calls for Transparency
Civil society organizations and opposition parties have called for a full audit of the bill and related expenditures. Activists are urging the government to disclose the complete financial impact of the legislation and address the rumors of secret allowances and political favoritism.
