Elected representatives, chosen by the people’s votes, head to the assemblies with a commitment to serve the country and its citizens, where laws are made to address public issues. However, significant expenses are incurred by members of the national and provincial assemblies for a single session, including their travel allowances, protocol, and other necessities.
According to a five-year report released by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) on October 5, 2023, the average daily cost of a National Assembly session was 66.5 million rupees, with the average hourly cost being 24.2 million rupees. This report highlights the substantial financial burden on the national exchequer for parliamentary sessions.
Considering this five-year report, the expenses for a recent seven-day session amount to at least 465 million rupees. Over the past five years, the National Assembly has spent 20.5 million rupees per Member of the National Assembly (MNA). This substantial expenditure is intended not for partisan discussions but for addressing the welfare and needs of the public.
Despite these significant investments, the report indicates inefficiencies within the assembly’s functioning. In the past five years, the National Assembly faced quorum issues 105 times, leading to the postponement of 72 sessions due to an incomplete quorum. This raises concerns about the effective use of resources and the dedication of elected representatives to their legislative duties.
These findings by PILDAT underscore the need for greater accountability and efficiency within the National Assembly. With such considerable funds allocated to parliamentary activities, there is a pressing need for representatives to focus on substantive issues that impact the public rather than engaging in political maneuvering. The report serves as a reminder that the primary role of elected officials is to serve the citizens and work towards the betterment of the nation, ensuring that the substantial financial resources allocated to the assembly yield tangible benefits for the populace.
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