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Chairpersons

Massive Pay Rise for Pakistani Parliamentarians Sparks Backlash

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A significant salary hike for National Assembly Speaker, Senate Chairman, and their deputies has sparked a public outcry, with widespread criticism from politicians and the public alike. The PM's office has launched an investigation into the matter. The decision to grant the salary increase was approved by the federal government, but officials are defending it, stating that it was not self-imposed. The recent budget presented by the government shows a significant increase in salaries for parliamentarians and the federal cabinet compared to last year, with Rs16.29 billion allocated for the National Assembly and Rs9.05 billion for the Senate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The salaries of National Assembly Speaker, Senate Chairman, and their deputies have surged by an unprecedented 600%, from Rs205,000 to a staggering Rs1.95 million.
  • The salary increase was approved by the federal government, with the PM's office now investigating the matter after public backlash.
  • Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has condemned the increase, calling it "financial vulgarity" and emphasizing the need for dignity and honor to depend on the well-being of the people.
  • The National Assembly and Senate secretariat clarified that these salary increments were not self-imposed by the officials in question.
  • Both current and former parliamentarians will be entitled to the same health and other facilities as federal secretaries.
  • The budget for the salaries and benefits of cabinet members is proposed to increase from Rs35.18 million to Rs68.87 million.
  • The budget for federal ministers and ministers of state is proposed to rise from Rs27 million to Rs50.54 million.
  • The budget for the salaries and perks of the prime minister's advisers is proposed to increase from Rs3.61 million to Rs6.31 million.
  • The budget for the salaries and perks of the prime minister's special assistants is proposed to rise from Rs3.70 million to Rs11.34 million.

Statistics:

  • The salary increment is 600%, from Rs205,000 to a staggering Rs1.95 million.
  • The government has allocated Rs16.29 billion for the National Assembly and Rs9.05 billion for the Senate.
  • Rs5.08 billion is proposed for the salaries and perks of members of the National Assembly, Rs2.58 billion for their salaries, Rs2.50 billion for travel expenses, and Rs2.17 billion for the budget of salaries and perks.
  • Rs393.4 million is proposed for the salaries and perks of NA speaker and deputy speaker.
  • Rs83.4 million is proposed for the salaries and perks of the opposition leader and their staff.
  • Rs40 million is allocated for the salaries of members of the Senate, and Rs106.38 million for their perks.
  • The budget for the salaries and benefits of cabinet members is proposed to increase from Rs35.18 million to Rs68.87 million.

Sources:

  • Government notification dated May 29, 2024
  • Recent budget presented by the government
  • Amendment Act for members of parliament, July 2024

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