Karachi: A new piece of legislation concerning the salaries, allowances, and facilities provided to members of the Sindh Assembly has been drafted and is set to be introduced in the assembly today, according to ARY News.
If approved, the revised salary structure will become effective from 1st July 2025, as per official information.
The proposed bill outlines various allowances for lawmakers, including house rent, utility bills, medical benefits, transport, and other perks.
Under the new law, the Leader of the Opposition would be granted the same privileges and benefits as a provincial minister.
The legislation also calls for the establishment of a Parliamentary Committee tasked with making annual recommendations on the salaries and benefits of assembly members.
Importantly, the government is required to implement the recommendations made by this committee.
The draft also mentions that the Chairperson of the Committee will be given an official vehicle and fuel allowance.
Additionally, the bill aims to replace the outdated 1974 law with a more contemporary framework that aligns with the structures of other provincial assemblies.
The bill also states that salary structures should be determined through comparisons with other provinces, and the Sindh government must accept the committee’s suggestions regarding any increase or decrease in salaries.
Earlier, the federal government had decided to enhance the salaries of members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators.
According to sources, the government was expected to approve a proposal to raise the salaries of MNAs by up to 200%, from their current monthly salary of about Rs. 1.68 lakh.
The proposed salary increase is to be presented to both the National Assembly and the Senate for approval.
The government had already consulted with all major coalition and opposition groups, and a consensus was reached on the matter.
In addition to the salary hike for MNAs and Senators, the government also proposed increasing the salaries of ministers and advisors.
The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate were also expected to receive significant salary increases, potentially reaching Rs. 15 lakh per month.
