Bill on privileges for lawmakers illegal: Lawyers

KABUL (Pajhwok): The lawyers’ association on Monday urged the National Assembly to throw out a bill allowing parliamentarians to take advantage of certain privileges even after completing their tenure.

Some weeks back, the Wolesi Jirga approved the draft law permitting lower house members to draw 25 percent of their salaries and keep two security guards even after retirement. 

A statement from the lawyers’ body said approval of the draft law was in conflict with the second clause of Article 95 of the constitution, which says a proposal for budget and financial affairs is initiated only by the government.

“The lawyers association urges the joint commission of the Wolesi Jirga to reject the bill,” the statement added.

Article 100 of the constitution says in case the decision of one house is rejected by another, a combined committee composed of equal members of each house is formed to resolve the disagreement. The decision of the committee is enforced after its approval by the president.

In case the combined committee cannot resolve the disagreement, the resolution is considered void. And if the resolution is approved by the Wolesi Jirga, it can be approved in the next session by a majority of members.

This approval is assumed as enforceable, after it is signed by the president, without submission to the Meshrano Jirga.

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