IN September 2024, Pakistan received a bailout package of US dollars 7 billion from IMF. Nearly a month had passed that the Parliament approved the 26th amendment to the Constitution to grant unusual powers to itself, amidst reports that the IMF package came in handy for the bill passage. The IMF bailout package also enabled the legislature to enhance the perks, allowances and benefits for the members of the Parliament and Judiciary, resulting in a huge uproar by the public. The cost of living in Pakistan is astronomical, inflation is in double digits but the Pakistani lawmakers receive substantial salaries, along with numerous allowances for housing, travel and utilities. They have access to luxury accommodations and vehicles, which can be seen as extravagant given the country’s economic challenges. Former parliamentarians enjoy generous pension plans, which critics argue are not justified by their public service. Judges in Pakistan are also compensated well, but there are concerns about the lack of transparency in their remuneration and benefits. Similar to parliamentarians, judges receive significant retirement packages, raising questions about the sustainability of such benefits in a country facing an economic crunch and crippled by debt. This isn’t the first time perks for parliamentarians have been increased. Previous amendments have also enhanced benefits, including salary, house rent, free air travel and boosted medical facilities, raising concerns about the prioritization of parliamentarians’ privileges vis-à-vis public welfare.
In a nutshell, common sentiment is that while parliamentarians deserve fair compensation for their roles, the current proposals are seen as excessive and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. Before passing judgment and proposing reforms, let us see how parliamentary privileges in Pakistan stack up against those in other nations. In the United Kingdom, there has been a long tradition of parliamentary privilege, which includes freedom of speech in parliamentary debates and protection from legal action for statements made in parliament. However, currently, there are ever increasing debates regarding the reform of these privileges to ensure alignment with modern democratic values. Recent scandals have led to calls for greater scrutiny of MPs’ expenses and benefits.
Australian parliamentarians receive salaries, allowances and benefits like travel reimbursements. They enjoy parliamentary privilege, which protects them from legal repercussions for statements made in the course of their duties. However, even amongst the people in Australia, there is a growing demand for transparency regarding how these privileges are utilized, especially in the light of public spending concerns. In the same vein, South African MPs have privileges that include non-accountability for statements made in parliament and protections against civil and criminal liability to enable them to operate without external pressures. We generally compare ourselves with India, without giving cognizance to the facts of India’s GDP, trade and size. It does not depend on IMF loans to enjoy perks and privileges.
Indian parliamentarians enjoy privileges like salary, allowances and immunity from arrest in civil cases while the parliament is in session. However, there has been public uproar against excessive perks, especially during economic downturns. Discussions around increasing salaries have faced backlash, with calls for more accountability and transparency. Members of the Indian Parliament receive only a basic salary of Rs. 100,000 per month. They earn a daily allowance of Rs. 2,000 for attending Parliament sessions. Indian MPs are entitled to a travel allowance of Rs. 16 per kilometre when travelling by road. Amidst the salary and allowances, additionally Indian MPs are provided with accommodation in the capital and can claim expenses for maintaining their constituency offices. Indian MPs have access to medical facilities and can claim reimbursement for medical expenses. After serving a certain number of years, they are eligible for a pension of 20,000 Rs. Amidst this hullabaloo over the astronomical perks and privileges granted to Pakistani Parliamentarians and Judiciary, there is a need to consider reforms to bring a balance: Let us start with transparency and accountability. There is a need to mandate regular public disclosures of all perks and privileges received by parliamentarians and judges which include salaries, allowances and benefits. We must establish an independent body to conduct audits of these perks to ensure they are justified and reasonable. There is a need to create standardized guidelines for perks across both branches to prevent disparities. This could involve setting limits on allowances and benefits based on public service norms. We must conduct a comprehensive review of existing perks to identify those that are excessive or unnecessary. Introduce amendments to existing laws that govern the perks of parliamentarians and judges, ensuring that they are aligned with public expectations and economic realities.
Consider implementing fixed terms for certain benefits which would require periodic review and renewal based on performance and public service. Ensure that reforms do not compromise the independence of the judiciary. This includes safeguarding judges from political pressures that could arise from changes in how they are appointed or compensated. Reassess the process of judicial appointments to prevent political influence, ensuring that judges are selected based on merit rather than political affiliations. Engage with civil society, legal experts and the public to gather input on what reforms are necessary. This can help build consensus and ensure that reforms are reflective of public needs. Launch campaigns to educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of parliamentarians and judges, fostering a culture of accountability.
Introduce performance-based incentives for both parliamentarians and judges, rewarding those who demonstrate exemplary service and commitment to public welfare. Balancing the perks and privileges of parliamentarians and the judiciary is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring effective governance. By implementing these reforms, Pakistan can work towards a more equitable and accountable system that serves the interests of its citizens. While many countries provide substantial perks to their parliamentarians, the public’s perception of these privileges often hinges on the broader economic context and the accountability of elected officials. Pakistani citizens are facing severe economic challenges, including high inflation and rising poverty levels but, increasing the benefits for parliamentarians seems unrealistic and out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
(sultanm.hali@gmail.com)
