There are several costs associated with legislator labour in Pakistan.

First and foremost, the security threats in politically volatile regions impose substantial financial costs on legislators. They often allocate personal resources toward ensuring their safety.

The cost can be anywhere from Rs150,000 to over Rs1 million monthly, depending on the level of protection. Basic unarmed guards cost Rs25,000-35,000 per month each, while armed guards range from Rs50,000-75,000. Renting a bulletproof vehicle adds Rs500,000 -700,000 per month while purchasing one can cost Rs30-50m.

Additional expenses for CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and communication equipment can further increase costs. High-end security is normally for high-profile individuals, but for most, a standard monthly security expense of Rs100,000 to Rs150,000 remains essential, which makes it more than half of their salary, even in the least expense scenario.

Another critical financial aspect is the compensation received by legislators, which is about a monthly income of around Rs200,000 (including salary and allowances). This figure pales in comparison to their regional and global counterparts, or even senior public servants. Some countries even have pension schemes for their parliamentarians; examples include UK, Canada, India etc.

The economic and practical aspects of legislative work in Pakistan reflect broader challenges within the governance........

© Dawn Business