President Dr. Arif Alvi on Thursday approved 10% raise in the salaries and judicial allowance of Supreme Court and High Court judges. The president gave the approval on the advice of the prime minister under Article 205 of the Constitution.
The decision come as the country grapples with economic challenges and calls for austerity measures.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the Religious Affairs Ministry to explain its decision to send 200 ministry officials – including 35 from Religious Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor’s own office – for Hajj, reportedly on taxpayer money.
It was reported that 200 officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs would be performing Hajj this year, as their names were on the finalized government list. 35 of the people on the list were from Shakoor’s office alone, and included five drivers, four gunmen, one cook and 11 personal secretaries and assistants.
The minister himself would also be performing Hajj this year.
Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aftab Akber Durrani, said about this decision, “The staff of the ministry goes every year. Staff like drivers and gunmen are tagged along for help in works such as carrying luggage, etc.”
He explained that each year, the ministry is given a certain proportion of the budget through which they can take ministry officials and staff members along.
In addition to drivers, guards, and gunmen, the list also included cooks, tubewell workers and pump operators, to ensure the ‘safety’ of the pilgrims, as per the document.