Sindh Assembly passes bill to increase lawmakers' salaries

KARACHI (Dunya News) - The Sindh Assembly has unanimously passed a bill increasing the salaries and allowances of its members.

Friday's session was chaired by Speaker Qadir Shah, while the bill was presented by Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar. All lawmakers supported the bill, which was approved in stages without opposition.

During the same session, Lanjar also introduced the Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at allowing Grade 20 and 21 officers to be appointed as board chairmen. He stated the amendment was necessary to improve board performance by enabling the appointment of qualified officers.

However, MPA Sabir Qaimkhani raised concerns, urging that the autonomy of educational boards be preserved. He recommended the bill be sent back to committee for further discussion, but it was ultimately passed by majority vote.

Lanjar also spoke about the difficulties in appointing judges, noting that the High Court currently sends only one name, limiting choices. He stressed the need to expand authority, pointing out that some courts are still staffed by retired judges aged 72, creating additional challenges.

During the question hour, MQM MPA Farah Sohail questioned the rental management of shops near religious shrines. Parliamentary Secretary for Auqaf Shazia Sanghar responded that shops are leased for three years, and non-paying tenants may face FIRs. She added that the Auqaf Department's records are being digitized.

Senior PPP leader Nisar Khuhro commented on the lack of a clear mention of a public committee in the new bills, emphasizing its importance in legislative oversight.

Meanwhile, MQM MPA Ammar Siddiqui submitted a privilege motion over public inconvenience caused by ongoing gas restoration works in his constituency.

Lastly, Zia Lanjar also introduced the Anti-Terrorism (Sindh Amendment) Bill 2025, further expanding the session’s legislative agenda.