ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on Wednesday offered to tender his resignation and present himself for accountability amid widespread criticism regarding a bill aimed at increasing the perks and privileges of past and future Senate chairmen.
Earlier this month, the upper chamber of the Parliament had passed the controversial text, which proposed the provision of a lifetime full security of at least ten persons to all former Senate heads. It also proposed that the government bear the travel expenses of their family members and domestic staff. The proposed bill is currently pending with the lower house, National Assembly.
Sanjrani defends bill
Sanjrani had defended the law, saying that the bill was meant to put things in order and solve audit issues. He claimed that it would not put any additional burden on the national exchequer of Pakistan, while the PPP had said that it could not support it due to the country’s economic situation.
The Public Accounts Committee had also criticized the bill, saying that it would burden an already weak economy.
In an interview with a news channel that would air over the Eid vacations, Sanjrani said that he had not sought to raise his pay for even a single penny.
The chairman said that he had never received any travel or daily allowances.
Sanjrani emphasized that he and his wife personally covered their household expenses.
He further said that if the country’s situation improved, the Senate head should be entitled to 10 planes instead of just one.
Sanjrani said that giving good perks to public representatives makes them do good work. There were some senate members who relied only on their salaries.
