The two-day Speakers Conference concluded with a unanimous call for enhanced perks, privileges, and powers for speakers of the provincial assemblies and the Senate chairman. The participants argued that such measures would bolster the authority and effectiveness of Parliament.
Key Proposals:
- Legal Immunity:
Speakers and deputy speakers sought immunity from arrest and trial during their tenure, similar to the privileges enjoyed by the president and governors. - Acting Leadership Roles:
Legislation was proposed to appoint speakers and deputy speakers as acting prime minister and chief minister, respectively, in the absence of the incumbents. - Financial Accountability:
It was agreed that in cases of financial irregularities within the assemblies, the principal accounting officer would be held accountable rather than the speaker or Senate chairman. - Enhanced Diplomatic Privileges:
Provincial speakers demanded blue passports for themselves and their family members, aligning with the privileges of National Assembly and Senate members. - Salary and Tax Exemption:
Speakers and deputy speakers requested salaries and benefits equal to those of high court judges, with full tax exemptions on these earnings.
Context and Rationale:
The participants emphasized that granting such privileges would not only strengthen Parliament but also enable speakers to perform their roles with greater authority and independence. The demands reflect a broader push for legislative reforms to empower parliamentary leadership.
Next Steps:
The conference concluded with a commitment to pursue legislative changes to formalize these privileges. Speakers expressed confidence that these measures would contribute to a more robust parliamentary system.
