ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a substantial increase in the monthly salaries of the National Assembly Speaker and the Senate Chairman, just ahead of the upcoming federal budget.
The pay hike — which raises their monthly compensation from Rs205,000 to a staggering Rs1.3 million — marks a 500 percent increase and has drawn both attention and criticism from multiple quarters.
A formal notification was issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs confirming that the revised salaries will be implemented starting January 1, 2025.
This development comes on the heels of similar financial upgrades recently announced for Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators.
MNAs’ Salaries Aligned with Top Bureaucracy
The move to raise lawmakers’ salaries began with an increase of Rs519,000, bringing them in line with the pay structure of federal secretaries.
According to parliamentary sources, the initial demand from lawmakers was for a Rs1 million monthly salary. However, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq rejected that proposal and finalized the amount at Rs519,000.
As a result, MNAs and Senators are now entitled to financial benefits and privileges equivalent to those enjoyed by top civil servants in the federal bureaucracy.
This significant hike is seen by many as a strategic decision to elevate the stature and compensation of public representatives, especially at a time when economic reforms and budget allocations are under intense national scrutiny.
Timing Raises Questions Amid Economic Pressures
While supporters argue that the pay revision ensures parity with high-ranking officials, critics question the timing of these increases given Pakistan’s ongoing fiscal challenges.
With inflation on the rise and austerity being preached across sectors, the salary boost for the country’s top parliamentary figures is likely to stir public debate in the days leading up to the budget.
