An interesting situation developed during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on Tuesday when PAC member Sanaullah Mastikhel demanded that details of salaries, perks, and privileges of parliamentarians, senior government officials, and judges be made public.

“The full list of all benefits and salaries received by members of parliament and Grade 22 officers should be disclosed. Additionally, the perks and packages of generals and Supreme Court judges should also be made public,” he demanded.

He further stated, “This will finally clarify once and for all who benefits from the system — whether it’s the politicians or someone else.”

Mastikhel’s statement caused a stir in the committee, prompting a few smiles from the Chairman and other members.

However, Mastikhel did not hold back and addressed the PAC Chairman directly, saying, “Mr Chairman, give the direction. Are you afraid too?”

He went on to firmly declare, “If there are consequences to this demand, I am ready. At least the public will know who the real corrupt people are.”

The meeting also took a surprising turn when PAC member Junaid Akbar made an astonishing revelation regarding the Toshakhana (gift repository).

Akbar revealed, “I had requested the complete record of the Toshakhana, but only data related to parliamentarians was provided.”

He added, “Regarding the other class, it was stated that those gifts go directly to their homes, which is why I did not make this record public.”

The PAC chairman chose to remain silent on these statements, avoiding any decisions.

However, the discussions raised fresh questions about the privileges enjoyed by powerful sectors of society, reigniting a debate on the transparency of such benefits.