THIS refers to the report ‘Punjab MPAs give themselves a hefty raise’ (Dec 17). I was impressed by the fact that ministers’ salaries were increased from Rs100,000 to Rs960,000, an increase of ‘only’ 860 per cent.

The salary of the assembly speaker has been raised from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000, which is a raise of ‘merely’ 760pc. The other worthy assembly mem-bers will now be paid more than 500pc than what they were being paid until now.

Knowing that these men had the power to draw even higher salaries by giving themselves even higher increases, we, the people, should actually be grateful that they did not do so.

Of course, it will mean that there will be a lot less money to pay for education and health, but why should we worry?

Everyone knows that Pakistan will be so prosperous by the next year that there will be queues of foreigners begging to come and settle in this country. That will solve all our problems. Just wait.

Shakir Lakhani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024