Is Pakistan's Sharif Government Serious? 500% Salary Increase for NA Speaker and Senate Chairman!
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Synopsis
Amidst economic turmoil and political unrest, Pakistan's Sharif government has approved a shocking 500% salary hike for top officials. This controversial move raises questions about the government's commitment to austerity while citizens struggle with inflation and high taxes.
Key Takeaways
- 500% salary increase for top officials raises eyebrows.
- Effective from January 1, 2025.
- Public discontent over increasing economic hardships.
- Contradiction between government austerity claims and salary hikes.
- Expanding cabinet size amidst financial struggles.
Islamabad, June 7 (NationPress) The administration under Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sanctioned an astonishing 500 per cent salary boost for both the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate (Upper House), as reported by local media on Saturday.
This decision arrives amidst a backdrop of severe economic turmoil in Pakistan, exacerbated by ongoing political unrest and significant disturbances in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly referred to as the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
According to ARY News, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani will now earn a monthly salary of PKR 1.3 million, a substantial increase from their previous pay of PKR 205,000 per month.
The extensive salary hike, as noted in a notification from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, is set to take effect from January 1, 2025.
Previously, the Sharif-led government had approved a monthly salary increment of PKR 519,000 for Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators.
In March, despite earlier pledges for austerity and expenditure reductions, the Sharif administration sanctioned a staggering 188 per cent salary increase for cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and advisors.
These developments have sparked significant backlash from citizens grappling with escalating taxes, job losses, inflation, soaring fuel costs, and exorbitant electricity prices.
Pakistan's economy has long been reliant on loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with Sharif urging the public to tighten their belts while declaring that the country is merely experiencing a recovery phase.
Nevertheless, the continuous salary hikes for ministers, advisors, MNAs, Senators, and now the top parliamentary officials, have raised serious doubts about the government's intentions.
Sharif continues to expand his federal cabinet, which currently comprises 51 members, up from an initial 21, later increased to 43.
A local resident in Islamabad remarked, "Initially, they talk about the need for austerity and then they contradict themselves by increasing the number of cabinet ministers while imposing heavy taxes, job losses, and inflation on us. This is simply unacceptable," he stated to IANS a few weeks back.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the contrast between government policies and the lived experiences of citizens. The recent salary hikes for high-ranking officials amid economic distress raise significant concerns regarding the government's commitment to genuine reforms and fiscal responsibility. The nation's priorities must realign with the needs of the populace, ensuring transparency and accountability.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the salary increase for the Speaker and Senate Chairman?
The increase was approved by the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amidst ongoing economic challenges facing the country.
When will the new salaries take effect?
The new salaries are set to take effect from January 1, 2025.
How much will the Speaker and Senate Chairman earn after the increase?
After the increase, both officials will earn PKR 1.3 million monthly.
What has been the public response to this decision?
The decision has faced severe criticism from citizens who are struggling with high taxes and inflation.
How does this salary increase align with the government's austerity claims?
The salary increase contradicts earlier claims made by the government regarding austerity measures and spending cuts.
