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PM Shehbaz Sharif Approves 300% Salary Hike for Parliamentarians
Despite political rivalries, unity prevails! PM Shehbaz Sharif approves a significant 300% salary raise for parliamentarians, taking their monthly pay to Rs519,000.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-01
PM Shehbaz Sharif Approves 300% Salary Hike for Parliamentarians

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a significant 300% increase in salaries for parliamentarians, sparking debate among the public and political commentators. The move, justified by the government as bringing salaries in line with those of federal secretaries, has drawn criticism amid ongoing economic challenges.

Following the prime minister’s approval, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq notified the raise. Parliamentarians reportedly received their revised salaries for January, with each MNA and senator now earning Rs519,000 per month, up from the previous Rs180,000.

Rare Political Unity on Salary Increase

In a rare display of bipartisan agreement, members from both the treasury and opposition benches, including lawmakers from PPP, PTI, and PML-N, unanimously backed the salary hike during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Finance Committee. The committee, chaired by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, initially considered a proposal for a Rs1 million monthly salary but ultimately agreed on Rs519,000.

Comparison with Provincial Legislators

Justifying the hike, the committee highlighted that the salaries of MNAs and senators were still lower than those of provincial assembly members. Lawmakers pointed out that their pay had not been increased in seven years, making a revision necessary to maintain parity with other officials.

Public Reaction and Government Justification

Despite the government's justification, the decision has sparked criticism from various quarters. With the country facing financial challenges, many have questioned the timing and necessity of such a substantial raise for elected officials.

While the government maintains that the increase aligns parliamentary salaries with federal secretaries, critics argue that public service should not be driven by financial incentives.

As the revised pay structure takes effect, it remains to be seen how the public and political observers will respond in the long term.
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