Stranded U.S. astronauts to get less than Pakistani parliamentarians’ daily allowance
They will be paid $5 per day for the extra 278 days at the International Space Station
Despite spending nearly nine months in space — far exceeding the planned eight-day mission at the International Space Station — U.S. astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will receive a total additional compensation of only $1,435.
The Internal Revenue Service, which administers and enforces U.S. tax laws, said in its manual that the rate for incidental expenses remains $5 (around PKR 1,400) per day, no matter the location.
International media, citing a NASA spokesperson, reported that the stranded pair — who just returned to Earth in a SpaceX capsule after spending an extra 278 days aboard the ISS due to a malfunctioning rocket — were not eligible for any overtime pay.
Meanwhile, Pakistani parliamentarians receive a significantly higher daily allowance. According to the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1974, lawmakers are entitled to a daily allowance of PKR 4,800 for special duty and PKR 2,800 for ordinary duty, in addition to a conveyance allowance of PKR 2,000 per day.
Popular
Spotlight
More from Business
Toyota, Daimler near merger deal for truck units
Holding company planned for Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso, Tokyo Stock Exchange listing set for 2026
More from Video
Karachi Kings face unbeaten Islamabad United in key Sunday clash
Zalmi bag first PSL X win despite Babar’s poor form, beating Multan Sultans in Rawalpindi on Saturday
More from World
Fleeing Pakistan, Afghans rebuild from nothing
Since returning to Afghanistan, Nazmine Khan and her family are struggling to adjust to their new life, facing limited freedoms and uncertain futures
Comments
See what people are discussing