The recent two-day Speakers Conference focused on reinforcing Parliament’s authority while pushing for increased benefits, powers, and privileges for speakers and the Senate chairman.
In private discussions, participants committed to introducing legislative measures to secure these enhancements. They argued that strengthening the positions of speakers would also reinforce the Parliament’s effectiveness.
Speakers from provincial assemblies proposed immunity from arrest and legal proceedings during their time in office, similar to the protections granted to the president and governors. They also called for laws allowing speakers and their deputies to assume the roles of acting prime minister and acting chief minister in the absence of these officials.
On the issue of financial accountability, the participants agreed that any irregularities in assembly finances should be the principal accounting officer’s responsibility rather than the speakers or their deputies.
The speakers also demanded blue passports for themselves and their families, mirroring privileges already available to members of the National Assembly and Senate. Additionally, they requested that their salaries and benefits match those of high court judges and be exempt from taxes.
I am ok with all of this provided they are to never get paid a single dime from the govt .
No salary
No benefits from national treasury
No family member allowed govt job or salary from the govt
No cars , petrol , electricity, grocery , food for any senator or member assembly from govt