Law on presidential pay, expenses passed

KABUL on Sunday approved a law regarding the president’s salary, expenses and privileges and decided to adopt a similar measure concerning high-ranking government officials next week.

The law has already been approved by the lower house, Wolesi Jirga, which sent it to the upper house with some amendments.

The government had sought 3.5 million afghanis for the president in the name of privileges, but the lower house reduced the amount to 487,500afs in monthly salary and other expenses.

It also approved free medical treatment abroad for the president and his family members if the facility was not available within the country.

Putting the draft law before the upper house for debate, Economic Commission chief Maulvi Abdul Wahab Irfan said the proposed measure enabled the president and his family members to be sent abroad if their treatment was not possible at home.

He said the head of state would continue to receive 487,500 afghanis in monthly salary after the end of his office term.

First Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezedyar said the Senate would debate and pass a second draft regarding the salaries and privileges of senior government officials and other bills next week.

ma/mud

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