The bill — The Chairman Senate (Salaries, Allowance and Privileges) Act, 2023 — was passed shortly after another legislation, details of which aren't known yet.
All major political parties, including PML-N, PPP, PTI, JUI-F and other PDM parties, supported the private bills, suggesting that a behind-the-scene discussion regarding the legislation had already take place.
After being passed by the National Assembly already, the bill will now head to the president for his assent.
When enforced, it won't just benefit the incumbent chairmen, but the former ones too, all at the expense of the taxpayers' money.
Unsurprisingly, not a single concern or opposition was raised against the move. A report quoted Senator Mushtaq Ahmad as saying that his mic was turned off during the passage to not let him speak against it.
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In February, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced sweeping austerity measures for his Cabinet, amid a critical economic crisis.
Terming the steps imperative in the current economic conditions, he said that they would help save Rs200 billion annually.
The premier told media persons that ministers, state ministers, and special advisers to him had “willingly” decided to forego their salaries and perks, adding the ministers will also pay their telephone, electricity, water, and gas bills from their pocket.
He announced to revoke and auction luxury cars being used by the Cabinet members. “Where needed, the ministers will be given one car each for their security.”
The premier also announced that federal ministers will be travelling in the economy class during their domestic and international travel.
He also declared that the expenditure of all government departments will be reduced by 15 percent. “There will be a complete ban on buying luxury items and all types of new vehicles until June 2024.”