The Punjab Assembly approved on Monday a bill seeking a whopping increase in the salaries of provincial ministers and MPAs amid increased prices of basic commodities.

The bill, which was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, was passed by a majority vote.

Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar raised objections regarding the salary increase bill.

He questioned whether the bill aligned with the Parliamentary Laws Act of 1972. In response, Punjab Assembly Speaker Ahmad Khan stated: “The bill is entirely in accordance with existing laws and is a positive initiative by the government.”

After the governor’s nod, the salary of Punjab Assembly members would rise from Rs76,000 to Rs400,000, effective January 1 while provincial ministers would see their salaries increase from Rs100,000 to Rs960,000.

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The Punjab Assembly speaker’s salary would increase from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000 while the deputy speaker’s salary would rise from Rs120,000 to Rs775,000.

Moreover, the salaries of parliamentary secretaries would be raised from Rs83,000 to Rs451,000, and the chief minister’s adviser would see their salary increase from Rs100,000 to Rs665,000.

The salary of special assistants would also rise from Rs100,000 to Rs665,000.