PM Shehbaz Seeks Clarity on Significant Pay Increase for Parliamentary Leaders
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has raised concerns regarding the substantial salary increases awarded to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate, as reported by sources from ARY News.
PM Calls for Detailed Report
According to insiders, the Prime Minister has requested a thorough explanation of the decision, which also encompasses pay raises for Deputy Senate Chairman Sardar Syedaal Khan Nasar and Deputy National Assembly Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah. PM Shehbaz is anticipated to make a final decision once he receives the detailed report from the leadership of both houses.
Defence Minister Expresses Discontent
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has openly criticized the salary increases, describing them as a display of financial irresponsibility. He highlighted the inappropriate timing of the raises, especially as the nation faces economic challenges.
Asif stated, “Such decisions reflect poor judgment, particularly concerning the increase in salaries for deputy positions. Our focus should be on the welfare of the common people, as the true respect for our country lies in ensuring their prosperity.”
Major Salary Increase Approved
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has confirmed a staggering 500% salary increase for National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani. Their monthly compensation has risen from PKR 205,000 to PKR 1.3 million, effective January 1, 2025.
Recent Salary Adjustments for Legislators
This announcement follows a prior controversial decision that approved a PKR 519,000 increase in the monthly salaries of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators. This earlier move also faced significant backlash from the public and various federal ministers.
