The speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly and the chairman of the Senate have received more than PKR 11.7 million each in salary payments following a six-month retroactive increase, according to parliamentary sources.
Sources confirmed to Nukta on Friday that the salaries of the Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, and Senate Deputy Chairman Sydaal Khan Nasir have all been disbursed with the approved increments.
The increase, which took effect from Jan. 1, 2025, resulted in monthly salaries of PKR 1.3 million for both the Speaker and the Chairman. Additionally, they received a monthly allowance of PKR 650,000, bringing their total monthly compensation to PKR 1.95 million.
The backdated payment of six months’ salary and allowances brings the total disbursed amount to more than PKR 11.7 million each for both top officials.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issued a notification on May 29 announcing the revised salaries. According to the notification, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate are entitled to a basic monthly salary of PKR 1.3 million, along with an allowance equal to 50 percent of the salary.
In addition to the increased financial compensation, both officials are entitled to a range of benefits including official residences, vehicles, fuel, domestic staff, meals, and comprehensive travel facilities. The allowances are also exempt from income tax, as per the notification.
The significant increase has drawn public scrutiny, especially amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Responding to criticism from Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the decision to revise the salaries of parliamentary leadership falls under the jurisdiction of the prime minister.
"Whatever decision the prime minister makes will be accepted," Sadiq said.
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