Pakistan, Feb. 12 -- An appalling display of disconnect from the realities or a much-needed course correction to ensure legislature stops becoming exclusive clubs of the elite and super-rich, the National Assembly erupted in a festive mood on Tuesday when it approved pay raises for parliamentarians by an overwhelming 176 per cent.

At a time when our country is battling soaring inflation, escalating poverty, and economic instability, this decision is not merely misguided. Constant words of advice to the masses to prioritise belt-tightening and brace for an onslaught of vicious taxation make it an outright betrayal of the public trust.

In the eyes of critics, the audacity of raising their compensation while millions struggle to put food o...