(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) (Pajhwok): The on Monday rejected a proposed increase in salaries of lawmakers, saying it would be 'treason' against the nation in the country's current economic situation.
Based on a letter received by media outlets, the lower house commission on security and lawmakers' privileges has suggested doubling the benefits of Wolesi Jirga members from 45,000 to 90,000 afs.
The panel writes to the house administrative board to increase credit cards amount from 5,000 afs to 10,000, car fuel costs from 10,000 afs to 20,000 afs, and houses rent from 25,000 afs to 50,000 afs.
However, during Monday's session, members of the lower house seriously reacted to the issue and called the publication of the letter in media as a conspiracy against Wolesi Jirga.
Abdul Wadood Paiman, a public representative from Kunduz province, said the current salaries of lawmakers were not enough. However, he called the publication of the letter in the media as a 'plot' against Wolesi Jirga, adding it was merely a request and not a unanimous decision.
Fawzia Kofi, a legislator from Badakshan, said: 'This letter is aimed at blackening the reputation of lawmakers and is far from reality. And the administrative board of the house must not let such a demand take place.'
A number of other Wolesi Jirga members also held similar views, saying the letter was aimed at disgracing Wolesi Jirga.
However, Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, the Wolesi Jirga speaker, said the request of increasing privileges had been rejected and the matter had not come up for a discussion on the assembly floor.
He said the Wolesi Jirga denied the increase in salaries considering the current economic situation of the country as such a demand amounted to treason.
It's pertinent to mention that currently every member of Wolesi Jirga receives 200,000 afs in salary and privileges.
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