PM Khan summons CM Buzdar over bill approving increments for Punjab lawmakers
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Prime Minister Imran Khan summoned Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for a meeting on Monday to provide an explanation over a bill seeking an increase in members' salaries recently passed by the Punjab Assembly, according to sources in the CM Secretariat.
The bill approving an increment in provincial lawmakers' salaries and fringe benefits was passed by the Punjab Assembly last week. The next day, the prime minister had taken to Twitter to express his "extreme disappointment" over the move, saying that it was "untenable" in the current atmosphere when the country "[does] not have resources to provide basic amenities to all our people".
After the passage of the bill, the speaker’s salary had jumped from Rs37,000 to Rs200,000 per month and his deputy would get Rs185,000 instead of Rs35,000, along with cabinet members and advisers.
Punjab MPAs are now entitled to Rs80,000 per month rather than Rs18,000, and their utility bills entitlement has gone up to Rs200,000 instead of earlier Rs120,000. This fiscal adjustment, naturally, had no one to oppose in the House and the bill was passed within a few minutes.
Two days after the premier had publicly denounced the move, Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervez Elahi reviewed the bill and amended a clause that detailed the increase in perks and privileges provided to lawmakers. The amendment removed the lifetime perks and privileges of the chief minister, leaving intact only "suitable and adequate security".
The premier, in his meeting with the Punjab chief minister today, may ask Buzdar to take practical steps to halt the increment, the sources informed DawnNewsTV.
The bill has not been dispatched to the Punjab Governor House yet and is still at the CM Secretariat. Prime Minister Khan will also discuss the overall political and administrative matters of the province with Buzdar, the sources added.
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Comments (106) Closed
Mar 18, 2019 02:56pm
Please, I am begging you Fire this incompetent man. You are the PM of Pakistan and your cabinet should not have any member labelled as "your man". Fire him !
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Mar 18, 2019 03:07pm
wasim akram plus
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Mar 18, 2019 03:11pm
Everyone thinks they have a share of loan money. Some are spending touring around the world.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:21pm
political bribes, nothing less. the perks (e.g. electricity) are just outrageous.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:23pm
Please so summon KP CM for destroying merit based appointment.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:25pm
An MPA ( member of the provincial assembly) take salary 18000 RS. Have you got your figures right ? This is way low under such inflation
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Mar 18, 2019 03:29pm
Old habits die hard.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:30pm
Simply, CM Buzdar is very naive, weak and not aware of all dirty tricks that are required to be a shrewd politician - he has failed to perform, as PM expected because of his inexperience and lay back attitude. (Gharib Awam ki Awaz).
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Mar 18, 2019 03:31pm
They probably tricked him signing the bill. He doesn’t look or act in a way which shows he is capable or clever enough to be CM. Sorry to say . I am IK supporter but this CM appointment is really bad.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:35pm
Unless the pm can retract this its no point crying over this now.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:47pm
well deserved.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:50pm
Imran Khan's selection of CM Buzdar is a big question mark on its own. Buzdar don't possess any skills to run a province like Punjab. He is incompetent and Imran's strategy of selecting the weakest person for a bigger province will backfire sooner or later.
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Mar 18, 2019 03:50pm
It's time to appoint a sensible Punjab CM!
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Mar 18, 2019 03:58pm
The wrong choice cannot make a right choice.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:00pm
Sack him, it is the time.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:08pm
Khan sb let me tell you if you check history then you will find most of the time people like Punjab CM give trouble to who support such people.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:09pm
Well done IK, this was not a good example by the Pinjab assembly.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:12pm
Well, the PM has been busy giving money away the country doesn’t have, he’s building welfare schemes, giving out medical cards, all that amounts to billions of rupees, so the Punjab government decided to spend a few million, everyone follows the leader PM sahib. Did Pakistan really have the money to start making people happy this early ?
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Mar 18, 2019 04:14pm
Best PM we have in ages. All Pakistani people should FULLY support Imran Khan.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:15pm
PM Khan needs to stop this massive salary increment quickly or he wouldn't be able to sell his 'Tabdeeli'.Salary increment is due looking at the initial figures. However, it should look like a salary increment not like hitting a lottery jackpot.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:26pm
A true guardian of the people of Pakistan..Imran Khan.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:29pm
To be fair, the current salaries are a joke. The salary should be paid to give a comfortable lifestyle to all govt employess so they don't feel the need to take bribes etc.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:35pm
Time for some accountablity
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Mar 18, 2019 04:41pm
these people should not be given raises. country's economic condition does not warrant salary increases.
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Mar 18, 2019 04:57pm
I think since this money is out of a loan amount they should be asked to pay at least the interest the government is bearing on this amount.
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Mar 18, 2019 05:09pm
If the figures correct then the increase is over 300% in salary. My feelings and experience such type of increase is criminal in nature. Collectively abuse of power.
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Mar 18, 2019 05:12pm
Well done Captain!!
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Mar 18, 2019 05:19pm
thats a massvie increase but what worries me is the vague wording, so that the interpretation can be modified depending on who is in power
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Mar 18, 2019 05:43pm
Only a selfless man like IK can change the mindset of politicians in this country. I get the impression they have no idea or they don't care where their salaries are coming from and at what cost!
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Mar 18, 2019 05:54pm
Welcome to Naya Pakistan under PTI.
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Mar 18, 2019 05:54pm
They are not leaders, just looters!
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Mar 18, 2019 06:24pm
Collectively abuse of power.
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Mar 18, 2019 06:44pm
With this move, it shows they really dont care about poor and common man. they are there to self serve. disgusted with PTI MPA's. i pray IK blocks and reduces the salaries.
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Mar 18, 2019 06:49pm
THANK you PMIK
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Mar 18, 2019 06:50pm
Good move by IK to give Buzdar a dressing down.
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Mar 18, 2019 06:57pm
Is it fair that a MP should live only to 18,000 PKR? Would you work for such salary? If to receive only this amount, how to avoid corruption?
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Mar 18, 2019 07:07pm
All this should have been done before the bill was tabled. Now it is more like an optics and a sheer interference of Federal Govt into the affairs of provincial governments. This should be avoided at all cost.
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Mar 18, 2019 07:09pm
Imran should take a U-turn on Buzdar.
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Mar 18, 2019 07:13pm
The ruling class in this country has no care for ordinary people.
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Mar 18, 2019 07:50pm
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly has also increased the salaries of MPAs, ministres and CM. PM didn't notice that. Buzdar is no more in good books??
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Mar 18, 2019 07:55pm
Salary 'increase' of politicians should be linked to the 'performance' of their work they do to enhance the lives of the citizens, ie, improvement in - clean water, sanitation, health, schools, safety/security and roads etc.
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Mar 18, 2019 07:57pm
This kind of legislation is unaceptable and must taken back with strong caution by PM for future.
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Mar 18, 2019 08:18pm
CM Punjab must be changed asap.
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Mar 18, 2019 08:33pm
Usman Buzdar has become highly controversial which is good enough reason for his resignation or removal. The PM should act wisely and end this controversy without delay
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Mar 18, 2019 08:40pm
Legally the PM cannot order the CM on a provincial matter
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Mar 18, 2019 08:54pm
@Mohsin Malik,
Buzdar has all the skills. Their family was selected MNAs and MPAs, for years from Taunsa Sharif and they make sure that their area remain one of the worsed and undeveloped and uneducated area so that they can rule the area without any challenge. Now he is CM Punjab and has all capabilities to reverse all the development made by previous corrupt CM and work honestly and corruption free to destroy all the developments and bring whole Punjab as a rural monarchy run by these Jageerdars and Waderas. To do this task he is the most competent person
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Mar 18, 2019 09:15pm
@Mobin, agree 100%. Even this new amount is half of what I make. If they make more honest income they "might" be less likely to take bribes.
Pretty much applies to all professions in Pakistan..especially the police.
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Mar 18, 2019 09:19pm
Good for Khan to attempt to curtail this outrage...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Mar 18, 2019 09:21pm
If these people were really patriotic and sincere, selfless public servants, they would even offer to work for free to prove their worth, before rewarding themselves with hefty salaries and perks that the average citizen cannot even dream of.
Let's see if they have the guts to take the offer and let us judge their performance based on the results they produce, Then we ourselves will gladly vote to double to tripple their salaries! Until then, be humble!
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Mar 18, 2019 09:27pm
And the Drama Continues
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Mar 18, 2019 09:28pm
@Omar Ahmad, issue is not what they ask for. Issue is whether their output is worth that amount. They have to show their productivity before they ask for such increase. Where is there output. Show the public results. Clean water, safe street, clean air, schools for children, honest police, etc etc.
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Mar 18, 2019 09:43pm
Dirty tricks by politicians to loot tax payers money, when millions go without food ,health coverage and basic amenities . Shame, CM buzdar is too weak and inept to handle or oversea the affairs. Stop the bill
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Mar 18, 2019 09:52pm
How insulting for PM Imran Khan.Usman Buzdar bypassed him on such an important Issue and took the
decision on his own?
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Mar 18, 2019 09:57pm
Buzdar may not be the biggest problem for PTI in Punjab. Although, his personal incompetency is beyond any doubt. Thorn in PTI's side are the Choudharies of Gujrat. Having Choudharies as your allies is like swimming with sharks. Get ready for a bite as nature always prevails.
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Mar 18, 2019 09:59pm
Mr. Prime Minister, please kick him out...Simple is that!!!
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Mar 18, 2019 10:07pm
Some wiser man with good public speaking skills should have been chosen instead.....
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Mar 18, 2019 10:14pm
Most of members in Punjab came from other parties so it's not easy to handle them as they couldn't resist and will try to make money either way. PM Khan has to be on top of it and I think that's why he picked someone like Buzdar who is easy to control compare to others who can go against him and create unnecessary hurdles for PM.
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Mar 18, 2019 10:17pm
Khan is doing great job we are supporting you khan dont afraid of anyone not even forces stand strong.
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Mar 18, 2019 10:35pm
Just a lip services!
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Mar 18, 2019 11:29pm
Speaker makes 37,000 Rs/month? How can any Citizen who wants to be in public service wants that as a Salary??
We should pay our public representative decent wages so we attract good honest people who want to serve the people and still have a normal standard of living like any other educated professional. We all know what happens if we dont. If we need to impose austerity, it should start from cutting the several luxury cars that they are given and its usage.
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Mar 18, 2019 11:40pm
Why buzdar is accountable only? Though he is accountable as head of the team, the team should also be responsible. Typically, a bill before passing has many stages. First reading, second reacing, members objections, detailed analysis, accounts department report from the finance ministry. Here, all of the steps were jumped overnight and a bill was passed. Also, what the governor has been doing. He was criticical of Nawas government. Here, he had kept his silence.
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Mar 18, 2019 11:42pm
Buzdar was appointted the CM to diffuse demands of the south punjab province. It seems to be working so far. IK is extremely smart, he knows what he is doing. We need a strong Federation, otherwise we would be completely divided in ethnic and cultural boundaries, implememtation of basic human rights get effected e,g if Balochistan decides to impose certain restrictions on women, the Federation steps in makes sure it doesn’t happen that in turn get the courts to stay out of politics as much as possible amf work on implementing the Law.
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Mar 19, 2019 12:05am
It’s high time IK reigns in his clueless CM
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Mar 19, 2019 12:30am
What’s New
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Mar 19, 2019 12:57am
Extremely unprofessional and naive way of measuring progress or achievement. Weighting has been given no consideration i.e. all tasks have been treated equal, irrespective of the time, effort or money required. Haw can it be the same if it is a one day task or 5 years' one?
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Mar 19, 2019 01:03am
We apppreciate our pm stance on punjab ongoin issues. thanks
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Mar 19, 2019 01:05am
Our PM is brave and have capacity for decision making.
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Mar 19, 2019 01:52am
I know where this one is going. All a set up. The minister will agree and IK will look like a hero.
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Mar 19, 2019 02:01am
This is a disgrace and should be blocked by Imran
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Mar 19, 2019 02:27am
This is the PM Pakistan needed after Zia Ul Haq who is against corruption and corrupt politicians.
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Mar 19, 2019 02:40am
A praise worthy move by IK. One fails to understand that while the economy is in doldrums & we have just monetary help got from friend for short term relief & negotiating with IMF for longterm relief bailout, why such extravaganza has been allowed to be approved by Punjab assembly? This clearly shows where the priorities of both, our ruling & opposition in the Punjab assembly, lies.
Notwithstanding, the move having unanimous backing of treasury & opposition for obvious reason, this legislation coming out at a time when IMF is urging the govt. to take strict measures to curb wasteful nondevelopment expenditures, is nothing but putting the federal govt. in an embarrassing situation.
It is no secret anymore, that with the discretionary funds to MPA’s discontinued & development funds slashed by 50%, our parasitic political elites accustomed to use part of such funds as personal perks are finding themselves in an extremely difficult position. Let us hope, bill is legally cancelled soon
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Mar 19, 2019 02:41am
Honestly incompetent CM it seems. IK can’t solve all the problems all at once. Finally we have a leader in IK we can all look up to after more than a decade of looking down upon the preceding ignobles from PMLN and PPP who held onto power.
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Mar 19, 2019 02:44am
Make their salaries performance based. That way most of them will get nothing for doing nothing positive.
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Mar 19, 2019 02:50am
I don't like what Buzdar did but I like the actions IK has taken to undo the situation. We have to give more time to IK to fix issues. Choice is between an honest person and bunch of looters ,people can decide themselves .
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Mar 19, 2019 03:08am
When ever a person assumes a position of importance in Pakistan ,he or she wants a pound of flesh. Well there is none left so we cannot afford the hefty pay rises. Imran has led by example by not taking a pay rise. Follow the leader.
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Mar 19, 2019 03:24am
@Mohsin Malik, Imran khan is waiting for Aleem khan to get a clean chit. That’s why he appointed a guy who he could easily replace
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Mar 19, 2019 03:37am
Mr. Khan should fire the culprits on the basis of their sheer incompetence and complicity.
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Mar 19, 2019 03:41am
Will IK do the same to KP CM who has already raised allowances two times in last 3 years?
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Mar 19, 2019 03:44am
Al tough it makes a headline that lawmakers in Punjab has raised their wages, but if you see them in details, they have raised MP funds to their constituency. A normal MP has to attend more than 200 people every day with their problems at home. As per our custom, the least they are offered is Chai and biscuit that itself can cost more than 4000 (20 rs each person) per day. Now the wages that they get is left with nothing at the last days of every month.
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Mar 19, 2019 03:47am
As a layman, I fail to understand why the PM is not even aware and why is he so helpless?
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Mar 19, 2019 03:53am
All hats off to CM Buzdar. Lecturing a CM only goes to show the dictatorial mindset and skills of PM Khan. Why Mr Khan did not move when salaries of the KP legislators were increased?
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Mar 19, 2019 04:00am
Just plain politics. PM is hoping to gain cover with his actions. The money is gone.
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Mar 19, 2019 04:13am
There is no reward for incompetence CM.
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Mar 19, 2019 04:18am
Did IK assess his party members before giving them plum jobs? Obviously not.
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Mar 19, 2019 04:29am
Imran, your people are trying hard to fail you.
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Mar 19, 2019 04:33am
In all developing countries. MPs and cabinet member live on salary. Why in poor country like Pakistan they get all perks, plot. Chef, drivers, cars. So pheththic!!!
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Mar 19, 2019 05:02am
Really? So the lawmakers are supposed to live in poverty and be honest?
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Mar 19, 2019 05:06am
This meeting is just for show and PR.
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Mar 19, 2019 05:49am
@Malik , this salary no doubt is less but Other Hidden PERKS are unimaginable....!!
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Mar 19, 2019 06:56am
I was for him,pm IK you needs a stronger CM of Punjab, as a PM of Pakistan ,you needs to switch some of your ministers, like they do in USA ! At least pak has the honest ,strong PM IK ,that bringing respect to Pakistan!
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Mar 19, 2019 07:52am
Higher pay curbs bribes in the west but not in pk. Fire CM and void the bill as being a PM.
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Mar 19, 2019 08:16am
Why call him in now. It's done. And you need to figure out as to how come you were not made aware that this was going to happen. Incompetence.
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Mar 19, 2019 08:48am
Stop the drama.
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Mar 19, 2019 08:53am
Salam Sir: No two ways please -this decision has to be reversed with immediate effect. Or it will affect PTI's credibility to the core. PTI was not voted in to enrich themselves. These so called Law Makers are all very rich. if they are able to spend 30 to 50 Million rupees to win the election, they don't deserve any such increase!
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Mar 19, 2019 08:58am
I support this bill. Rs18,000 does not even cover a driver salary let alone petrol for their cars. Are they supposed to steal instead?
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Mar 19, 2019 10:27am
@Common Man, Beautifully summarized the future to come.
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Mar 19, 2019 04:51pm
I have no personal issues with PM and CM but I am astonished with the selection of CM. Any blind person can judge and tell you that he is not the right person for this position. People around him are simply exploiting his incompetency, innocence and lack of education.I feel sorry for the largest province of Pakistan.
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Mar 19, 2019 05:04pm
If the salaries of the politicians are low, and the Punjab government has decided to increase it by 1000% or more by a simple stroke of a pen, then what about the millions of poor people, what about the cost of living, what about the cost of gasoline, foods ? Are you going to decrease the prices by 1000% ? The government’s first and firsmost job is to work for the people, not the ones who spend their time living like kings.
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Mar 19, 2019 05:04pm
interesting comments. 80 percent of people in subcontinent lives below poverty lines.. unless the money is hard earned they will keeping on doing the same..easy comes easy goes .. we must train our ministers how to make money and the value of the money..how to be empathic by the following set rules..
1)That empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.
2nd You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself.
3rd If you judge people, you have no time to love them and you are not the part of the government. Folks..In my view, the best of humanity is in our exercise of empathy and compassion. It's when we challenge ourselves to walk in the shoes of someone whose pain or plight might seem so different than yours that it's almost incomprehensible. Good luck
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Mar 19, 2019 05:52pm
The old salaries were very low keeping in mind the current cost of living. But the increase in salaries should be moderate, not what they awarded themselves.
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Mar 19, 2019 09:27pm
Do something for gas bills.
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Mar 20, 2019 12:52am
@LAHORI KID, if money was given it was to the people of pakistan. maybe he should have spent all that money on Nawaz Sharif to be sent to London for treatment at Harley street.
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Mar 20, 2019 09:43am
Do we know what the outcome of the meeting between the PM and CM was then?
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Mar 20, 2019 12:48pm
He is wasim Akram, I am sure wasim Akram is feeling sad with being compared to Buzdar. What a blunder by Imran. He needs to take u turn
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Mar 20, 2019 01:22pm
@Ali, That's how they eliminate poverty.
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Mar 20, 2019 01:36pm
@Gordon D. Walker, he can at least return the amounts he and his colleagues got as members of the national assembly which they didn't attend for most of the last year.
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