The financial remuneration and perks of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) have recently come under the spotlight, with detailed revelations about their monthly earnings and privileges.

Monthly Salary Breakdown

According to the disclosed details, an MNA’s basic monthly salary stands at Rs 150,000. Alongside this, they receive additional allowances amounting to Rs 38,000, bringing the total monthly income to Rs 188,000.

For chairpersons of Standing Committees, there is an additional honorary amount of Rs 25,000, elevating their monthly earnings to Rs 213,000.

Attendance and Travel Allowances

Moreover, MNAs receive Rs 8,800 for attending each session of the National Assembly or Standing Committee meetings. This is in addition to travel allowances, where they are compensated at Rs 150 per kilometer for air travel in business class and Rs 25 per kilometer for road travel.

Additionally, each MNA is provided with annual travel vouchers worth Rs 300,000, Rs 90,000 in cash, and 30 business class open tickets.

Recent Legal Challenge on Government Expenditures

Recently, a legal challenge was initiated against the Punjab government’s decision to procure new vehicles for additional commissioners and other revenue officials. Mudassir Chaudhry Advocate filed the petition on behalf of petitioner Sheeraz Altaf, contesting the government’s use of public funds.

Petitioner’s Argument

The petitioner argued that in the current critical economic situation, public money should be allocated towards public welfare rather than additional privileges for officials. The petitioner emphasized that the caretaker government is only authorized to manage daily affairs and lacks the mandate to utilize public funds for such expenditures.

Court’s Involvement

The petition calls for the court to declare the procurement notification void. A government letter dated July 20, 2023, addressed to the deputy secretary, sought approval for Rs 2333.747 million to purchase vehicles for Additional Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners.

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