On Monday, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly approved a bill proposed by Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi that enhances the benefits provided to provincial ministers.
The bill grants ministers Rs1 million for renovating their government-provided residences and permits them to purchase carpets, curtains, air conditioners, and refrigerators for their homes. Additionally, ministers who reside in private housing will receive Rs200,000 in monthly rent under the new law. This bill was initially proposed in October, aiming to raise financial benefits for cabinet members.
The amendment has faced backlash from opposition members, who argue it contradicts the frequent claims made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) questioned, “How will they [PTI lawmakers] face their party supporters? Where is the PTI manifesto?”
Criticizing the PTI government, Dr. Khan urged PTI legislators to focus on securing their leader Imran Khan’s release from prison instead of increasing their perks and privileges. Dr. Khan, representing Shangla district and the younger brother of Federal Minister Amir Muqam, pointed out the contradiction in the PTI government’s actions, stating, “The provincial government complains about financial difficulties yet continues to burden the public funds,” particularly referring to the increase in ministers’ housing allowance from Rs70,000 to Rs200,000.
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