PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly has issued a notification detailing expanded salaries, privileges and legal protections for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker under a newly enacted law.
As per the notification, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be entitled to several additional official benefits, such as access to government vehicles and government air travel.
According to the Express News report, under the new law, the Speaker will have three official vehicles at his disposal, one being a bulletproof vehicle, whereas the Deputy Speaker will be entitled to two official vehicles. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker can also utilize official government helicopters.
Furthermore, the law also grants the Speaker and Deputy Speaker immunity from arrest during their tenure. They cannot also be searched or raided by any law enforcement agency without a proper legal sanction under the new law.
The notification also mentions that the Speaker will remain in his official residence till the next provincial assembly elects a new speaker. Additionally, the law allows the Finance Committee of the Assembly to decide further increments in their salaries and other immunities.
In addition, the government will cover airfare for the children of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker during official overseas visits. The law also provides that, in the event of the death of either officeholder in an accident, their legal heirs will receive the compensation package approved under the applicable rules.
The legislation was previously approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and has now been formally notified, bringing the revised privileges and protections into effect.
