Pakistan lawmaker salary hike. News of a 600% salary hike for NA and Senate leaders has ignited nationwide outrage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded swiftly by launching a formal investigation into the matter.
Sharp Reaction to Pay Increase
Salaries for the speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly, as well as the Senate chairman and deputy chairman, jumped from Rs205,000 to Rs1.95 million per month. The federal government approved the hike, officially documented in a notification dated May 29.
Public backlash followed immediately. Citizens accused the government of wasting public funds. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif condemned the raise as “financial vulgarity” and called it tone-deaf in light of the country’s economic struggles. He urged leadership to lead by example and embrace modesty instead of luxury.
Government Attempts to Deflect
Under scrutiny, the National Assembly and Senate secretariats issued statements denying that the officials approved their own raises. They clarified that only the Prime Minister and his cabinet hold the authority to approve such increases, shifting accountability back to the federal government.
Budget Figures Reveal More Increases
The 2025–26 federal budget reveals further allocations for parliamentary expenses. Rs16.29 billion is designated for the National Assembly, with Rs5.08 billion earmarked for members’ salaries and perks, and Rs2.17 billion allocated specifically for the speaker and deputy speaker.
The Senate’s proposed budget includes Rs9.05 billion, of which Rs18.96 million goes to the chairman and deputy chairman, and Rs144.33 million to committee heads. Additionally, the federal cabinet’s salary budget has nearly doubled from previous figures.
Lavish Perks Trigger More Anger
The new perks package includes 30 annual flight tickets—transferable to family—Rs9,600 daily allowances, and Rs25 per kilometer for travel. Lawmakers also qualify for multiple additional allowances not yet publicly detailed.
Observers argue these perks further highlight the gap between elected officials and the general population, who face rising inflation and job insecurity.
Inquiry and the Call for Accountability
As public trust hangs in the balance, the Prime Minister’s inquiry will review the legal process behind the salary and perks approval. The outcome could redefine how Pakistan enforces transparency and accountability in governance.
