KP Assembly withdraws proposed lifetime perks for former speaker

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has withdrawn a legal provision that would have allowed its speaker to retain official benefits for life after leaving office, reversing a move that had drawn criticism.

The provision had been introduced through an amendment to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Salaries and Privileges Act. Under Section 20, a former speaker would have received facilities equal to those available to a Grade-17 officer after demitting office.

These benefits included support staff such as an assistant, a cook and a driver, along with Category-B security.

The proposal came under criticism soon after it emerged, particularly on social media, where people questioned both the need for such benefits and their financial impact. The measure also faced opposition in political circles, including from members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, indicating disagreement within the party over the proposal.

Review by cabinet sub-committee

Following the criticism, a cabinet sub-committee met to examine the issue. Representatives of the Law Department, Finance Department and the Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

Participants were told during the meeting that granting post-retirement facilities to the speaker was not practical. They were also informed that the move could place an additional burden on the Assembly’s administrative structure by increasing staffing requirements.

Sources further said that the speaker himself advised the committee to remove the clause in view of the criticism and concerns that had been raised.

After considering the matter, the sub-committee decided to abolish Section 20 from the amended law, ending the proposal for lifetime privileges for a former speaker.

Backlash and reversal

The rollback has been seen as a response to public criticism over the proposed benefits. The issue had quickly attracted attention after details of the amendment surfaced, with objections focusing on the scope of the facilities and the burden they could place on public resources.

The withdrawn clause had specifically sought to extend official privileges beyond the speaker’s tenure, a move that became contentious soon after it was made public.

The decision to remove the provision marks a reversal by the provincial assembly on a matter that had generated criticism both online and within political ranks. The development also highlights the scrutiny that proposals related to lawmakers’ privileges can attract, particularly when questions are raised about administrative costs and staffing needs.

With Section 20 now removed from the amended law, the proposed post-retirement package for the speaker will no longer take effect.