Gilani to live in lap of luxury with lifetime of perks and privileges post removal

Islamabad -  Former Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will continue to enjoy the perks and privileges that come with a premier, even after his ouster.

Under the Salaries and Allowances Act of 1974, Gilani is to continue to enjoy privileges, in spite of his conviction. Gilani, like over 20 former prime ministers, will continue to have access to a life-time of completely free-of-charge perks, including cars and a sprawling bungalow with security in the heart of the country's capital, reports The Express Tribune.

This has been possible due to the absence of laws that address the aftermath of a lawmaker's conviction. Such laws, like those present in other democratic countries, could have rendered him ineligible for receiving such privileges, the paper said.

Former senator Professor Khurshid has called for formulating new laws, stressing that convicted lawmakers, particularly those who have held the position of prime minister, president, national assembly speaker, chief minister, governor and senate chairman, should be deprived of perks if they stand disqualified by courts.

The Parliament also recently adopted the Finance Bill 2012, under which a former prime minister will be provided life-time security, transport facilities, personal staff, and medical facilities.