Pay Hike
Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday distanced himself from the significant increase in the monthly salaries of senior parliamentary leaders, including his own, amid widespread criticism and economic hardship in the country. Addressing the controversy, Gilani made it clear that he was neither consulted on the decision nor involved in its approval.
The recent government notification, dated May 29, disclosed that the monthly salaries of the Senate chairman and the National Assembly (NA) speaker have been increased from Rs205,000 to Rs1.3 million — more than a fivefold hike.
Additionally, both officeholders are entitled to a 50 percent sumptuary allowance (Rs650,000), bringing their total monthly benefit to nearly Rs2 million. The increase is scheduled to take effect from January 2025.
When asked by reporters about the salary hike, Gilani responded, “I have full respect for the defence minister. I have nothing to do with my salary increase.” He emphasized that the decision was made by the government, adding, “I was not consulted when the hike was approved.” When pressed further on whether he would consider declining the increased salary, Gilani replied, “I didn’t say about withdrawing. I have no connection with it.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly taken notice of the controversy and sought a detailed report from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The salary hike has sparked significant backlash, even from within the ruling PML-N. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called the increase a “financial obscenity” and urged lawmakers to consider the plight of the average Pakistani.
Speaking on Geo News’ Capital Talk, Asif argued that while the actual financial impact might be minimal, the move severely damages the public image of the government and the ruling elite.
He confirmed that the salary hike was approved by the National Assembly’s finance committee, apparently without formal input from the federal government. He hinted that it was “logical” to assume that the prime minister did not support the raise.
At the same time, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb defended the salary hikes, stating during a post-budget press conference that parliamentary salaries had not been adjusted since 2016. He claimed that if regular annual increments had been implemented, the increase would not appear as steep or sudden.
Still, criticism continued. Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique took to social media to condemn the pay raises. In a post on X, he described the massive increase as “incomprehensible” and “without any moral justification,” echoing public sentiment amid ongoing inflation and economic challenges.
The development has intensified debates over austerity, economic fairness, and the moral responsibility of political leadership during times of financial distress for the broader population.
