ISLAMABAD: The government has approved a controversial salary increase for the Senate chairman and the National Assembly (NA) speaker, raising their monthly pay from Rs205,000 to Rs1.3 million.
This hike, which became effective retrospectively from January 2025, also includes a 50 percent sumptuary allowance of Rs650,000.
This marks the first salary increase for these offices since January 2016.
Political Backlash and Public Criticism
The massive raise has sparked criticism from within the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique described the hike as “incomprehensible” and lacking moral justification.
He voiced his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the sudden jump in salaries and allowances for these top parliamentary posts.
PML-N’s Additional Secretary Information Zahid Khan expressed dismay, urging immediate reversal of the decision.
He highlighted the contradiction in government actions—seeking IMF assistance while simultaneously increasing salaries and perks for senior officials.
Mr. Khan called on both the NA speaker and Senate chairman to set an example by refusing the hike.
Opposition Party Demands Reversal
The Awami National Party (ANP) also strongly opposed the raise, condemning it as insensitive during an economic crisis.
The party accused the government of “rubbing salt into the wounds of people” and demanded the salary increase be rolled back immediately.
This salary boost follows a similar hike in March when federal cabinet members’ pay was raised by up to 188 percent.
Prior increases had also raised MNA and senator salaries to Rs519,000 after approval from parliamentary finance committees.
