The unanimous approval of a bill to enhance the salaries, allowances, perks and privileges of legislators in the Punjab Assembly by nearly 100 percent is one of those rare occasions when the opposition and the government converged unhesitatingly. It is vested interest that united them. It is a pity that we have such parasites in our Assemblies who are unusually quick in raising their own perks while being least interested in affairs related to the welfare of the public. Instead of using the platform of the Punjab Assembly for such purposes, they have made it a means of increasing their own income and privileges during their five years term. Do they deserve such hefty perks and privileges? What is their performance during the last three years? During these years they failed to perform their legislative role. The Punjab Assembly lagged behind in its performance compared to the working of other provincial Assemblies regarding the passage of bills. Reportedly, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif attended only one out of a total 62 sessions during fiscal year 2014-15. It shows how much respect the CM has for democracy and democratic institutions. Following in the footsteps of the CM, many MPAs do not care to attend Assembly sessions so why would any common citizen expect them to regard any public issue with respect? For the Punjab Assembly these MPAs are no more than occasional visitors, who come to safeguard their own interests instead of taking up issues of public interest.
By getting united on the issue of their personal gains, what kind of message have these lawmakers given to the masses? It shows the self-centred attitude of these legislators. Amid the worst economic conditions in the country, when unemployment is increasing and people are dying due to poverty, this class of MPAs is busy making fun of the poor by doubling their own salaries. It shows their real mentality that they keep their own self-interest supreme and have little or no interest in solving the problems of the masses. Legislators are elected representatives of the people. They need to listen to the voice of their conscience. They should not be so hypocritical in their actions. The opposition has lost its credibility by joining the government in passing a bill that jacked up their personal remuneration, but what about the poor who are waiting for the implementation of policies aimed at the welfare of the general public?
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