IN September 2024, Pakistan received a bailout package of US dollars 7 billion from IMF. Nearly a month had passed that the Parliament approved the 26th amendment to the Constitution to grant unusual powers to itself, amidst reports that the IMF package came in handy for the bill passage. The IMF bailout package also enabled the legislature to enhance the perks, allowances and benefits for the members of the Parliament and Judiciary, resulting in a huge uproar by the public. The cost of living in Pakistan is astronomical, inflation is in double digits but the Pakistani lawmakers receive substantial salaries, along with numerous allowances for housing, travel and utilities. They have access to luxury accommodations and vehicles, which can be seen as extravagant given the country’s economic challenges. Former parliamentarians enjoy generous pension plans, which critics argue are not justified by their public service. Judges in Pakistan are also compensated well, but there are concerns about the lack of transparency in their remuneration and benefits. Similar to parliamentarians, judges receive significant retirement packages, raising questions about the sustainability of such benefits in a country facing an economic crunch and crippled by debt. This isn’t the first time perks for parliamentarians have been increased. Previous amendments have also enhanced benefits, including salary, house rent, free air travel and boosted medical facilities, raising concerns about the prioritization of parliamentarians’ privileges vis-à-vis public welfare.

In a nutshell, common sentiment is that while parliamentarians deserve fair compensation for their roles, the current proposals are seen as excessive and disconnected from the........

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