ISLAMABAD: The federal government is preparing to implement a substantial increase in the salaries of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators, ARY News reported, citing insider sources.
As per reports, the government is likely to approve a proposal that would raise the monthly salaries of MNAs by up to 200%, from the current Rs. 1.68 lakh. This proposal will soon be presented before both the National Assembly and Senate for formal approval. Officials have reportedly reached a consensus with coalition and opposition parties on the proposed raise.
In addition to lawmakers, the government has suggested salary hikes for ministers and advisors. Notably, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate are expected to see their salaries rise significantly, potentially reaching Rs. 15 lakh per month.
The salary increase proposal comes in response to joint demands from government and opposition MNAs, who argue that their current earnings are insufficient to cope with the soaring inflation. Legislators have voiced concerns that their salaries have failed to keep up with the rising cost of living, making it challenging to manage their financial responsibilities.
The matter is expected to be discussed with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister after being reviewed by the Speaker of the National Assembly. Lawmakers are pushing for their salaries to be aligned with those of legislators in the Punjab and Balochistan assemblies.
Earlier, the Punjab Assembly approved a significant salary increase for its members, including ministers, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and parliamentary secretaries. The bill, introduced by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, was passed by a majority vote despite minor objections from opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar.
