Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday dispelled the impression that raise in superior judiciary allowances was a 'political bribe' to judges, saying that the decision was taken to correct anomalies in pay and privileges of the judges of Supreme Court and high courts.
Responding to a point of order raised by PML-Q female lawmaker, Shehenaz Sheikh, the Prime Minister said salaries of army and police have already been raised adding that the Pay and Pension Commission is looking into the salary structure of the remaining departments. The Prime Minister said that he is unable to understand, as to why the increase in the pay of judges is linked to other issues.
Referring to another point of the lady MNA, the Prime Minister said that he could also consider giving residential plots to parliamentarians if the members agree in this regard. Earlier, Shehenaz Sheikh said substantial increase in the salaries of the judges seems to be a political bribe of the government to the judiciary. She was of the view that if salaries of the judges can be raised, why legislators cannot be given residential plots.