Pakistan parliament approves 138% salary hike for lawmakers

Pakistan celebrates Independence Day, in Karachi

FILE PHOTO: Pakistan's national flag is mounted on a vehicle of the Chief Minister of Sindh, as a convoy of vehicles is parked during a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day, in Karachi, Pakistan August 14, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo

Source: X02626

The Pakistani parliament has passed a bill that will see their salaries more than doubled, pending only the president's approval following its prior endorsement by the Senate.

The National Assembly on February 11 passed the Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025, more than doubling lawmakers' monthly salaries from PKR 218,000 (about $780 US) to PKR 519,000 ($1,860 US).

This decision follows a meeting led by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on January 26, where the National Assembly's finance committee approved the bill without any objections from members of either the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party or the ruling coalition.

This 138% pay increase aims to bring parliamentarians' salaries in line with federal secretaries' earnings.

This raises eyebrows, particularly as the nation experiences a significant economic downturn, thereby sparking discussions regarding the timing and implications of such a substantial salary increase for legislators.

Believe Domor