The federal government of Pakistan provides executive allowance to senior officers (BPS 17-22), offering a significant pay enhancement of up to 150% of basic salary. Implemented from early 2023, the move aims to address salary disparities between federal and provincial postings, particularly in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where similar perks already exist.
Who Benefits
The allowance primarily targets officers in the Federal Secretariat, Prime Minister’s and President’s offices, and ICT field offices. Specific approvals were granted for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), where BPS 17+ officers received a 140% increase in late 2023. The scheme includes eligibility conditions and restrictions on other allowances, with a committee set up to resolve implementation issues.
Debates and Developments
While the allowance helps attract and retain senior federal officers, it sparked debate for potentially contradicting austerity measures. Critics suggested linking the allowance to performance-based criteria rather than blanket implementation. Recent discussions in early 2024 focus on expanding performance-linked pay adjustments, signaling possible refinements to the executive allowance system.
Conclusion
The federal executive allowance represents a major salary enhancement for senior bureaucrats in Pakistan, bridging pay gaps with provincial counterparts while ensuring federal postings remain competitive. With ongoing deliberations on performance-based implementation, the allowance is likely to evolve further in coming years.
