Senate raises questions over fee differences of Islamabad Club

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Club has determined its fees for normal membership at Rs. 7 million for the general public. The cost of membership is Rs. 600,000 for parliament members and government officials.

These facts were discussed in the Senate of Pakistan during the recent committee meetings. The legislators questioned the wide difference in fees between the ordinary members and the officials.

Also, the reports of the government officials having membership fees paid with public funds were discussed. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has declared to impose taxes on elite clubs, thus, withdrawing the previous exemptions for high-entry-fee institutions.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Senate that the Islamabad Club does not rely on government support. It manages to cover its annual expenses completely through membership fees and other resources.

The Senators demanded that the elite clubs be made more open in their financial dealings. This issue is a sign of the increasing pressure for the accountability of public money.