ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has strongly criticized the recent substantial salary increase for the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate, labeling it as “morally indefensible” and “beyond understanding.”
In a pointed statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rafique condemned what he termed a “sudden and disproportionate” rise in salaries, which includes a sharp increase in pay and a 50% hike in allowances for the top parliamentary positions.
“This abrupt and several-fold rise in salaries, coupled with a 50 percent allowance boost, defies logic,” he wrote. Rafique also noted that this was not the first time such increases had been introduced without broad consultation or justification, citing similar decisions in the past that significantly elevated lawmakers’ compensation “with the stroke of a pen.”
He stressed that pay hikes should follow a transparent and equitable process and reflect fairness across all categories of public sector employees. “There is no moral basis for unilaterally enhancing salaries and privileges for a select group. Any increase must be based on parity for all segments,” he added.
Rafique also drew attention to public discontent over perceived privileges extended to senior judiciary members and military officials. He suggested that raises for parliamentarians and other state officials should be tied to general government employee salary increments in the national budget.
Echoing Rafique’s views, senior politician Zahid Khan also voiced his strong opposition, terming the decision unjustified amid the country’s economic difficulties.
“With the government seeking financial assistance from institutions like the IMF, such a lavish increase in benefits for the elite sends the wrong message. It shows insensitivity towards the struggles of ordinary citizens,” Khan stated.
He further called on the Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate to voluntarily decline the enhanced pay, urging them to demonstrate ethical leadership during challenging times.
According to a government notification dated May 29 and made public on June 6, the salaries of both the Speaker and the Senate Chairman have been increased from Rs205,000 to Rs1.3 million per month, with an additional 50% temporary allowance. The revised compensation structure is effective from January 1.
This development follows an earlier decision in January where the monthly salary of MNAs and senators was raised to Rs519,000—a 143% increase—after the Finance Committee approved aligning lawmakers’ pay with that of federal secretaries. The proposal was submitted by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and later sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval.
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