ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: President Pervez Musharraf has increased salaries of Supreme Court and high courts’judges by an average 30 per cent, official sources told Dawn.

Salary of a Supreme Court judge has been raised to Rs52,000 while of a high court judge to Rs49,000 per month.

The increase, which was finalised few days ago, will be implemented with effect from Dec 1, 2001. The formal notification amending the Perks and Privileges Order has not been made so far.

Official sources said Supreme Court Chief Justice had been given a raise of Rs12,000 per month to Rs55,000.

A Supreme Court judge would now draw Rs52,000 per month against his previous salary of Rs40,000.

The chiefjustice of a high court would get Rs51,000 per month instead of Rs39,000 while the judge would receive Rs49,000 per month as against Rs38,000 which he is drawing presently.

A judge of the Supreme Court is also entitled to free residence along with a guard, cook, officially maintained car and driver.

After retirement, a judge of the superior court is entitled to pension equivalent to 70 per cent of his salary or an average Rs37,000 and facility of commutation of pension up to 40 per cent.

A retired judge of the superior court is also entitled to 200 litres of petrol per month; telephone bills for 1,000 local calls; 1,000 electricity units; 12,000 cubic feet of gas; and water free of cost — or an average package of around Rs20,000.

Every retiring judge of the superior judiciary is also entitled to take away a car on depreciated value, most of the time 30 to 40 per cent of the actual price of car.

He is also entitled to have a driver and cook or orderly at government expense till death. In case, the judge leaves behind a widow or unmarried daughter, she will also be entitled to enjoy all the facilities.