Ministers next in line for pay hike following MPs’ 300pc raise

ISLAMABAD: After a whooping pay hike for the members of the Parliament, the government has decided to increase the salaries of federal ministers, advisers, ministers of state, and special assistants by 150 per cent, sources revealed on Tuesday. 

The summary for the pay hike was reportedly scheduled for approval during the cabinet meeting on Tuesday (today) but was deferred due to the prime minister’s busy schedule. Sources indicated that the proposal might now be approved through circulation. 

Amendments to the Federal Ministers and Ministers of State (Salaries, Allowances and Privileges) Act, 1975, particularly Clause 3 regarding their salaries, are also under consideration, according to sources.

Currently, federal ministers earn Rs200,000 per month, while ministers of state receive Rs180,000, excluding allowances, official vehicles, and office facilities. 

This development follows the prime minister’s recent approval of a significant salary raise for parliamentarians despite public criticism. 

During a recent National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance meeting, government and opposition members showed rare unity by supporting the salary hike. The committee, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, approved a monthly increase of Rs519,000 for each National Assembly member and senator. 

Previously, lawmakers received Rs180,000 per month. Although an initial proposal suggested raising the monthly salary to Rs1 million, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq rejected the figure, agreeing instead to Rs519,000. 

The government defended the increase by citing salary comparisons with federal secretaries. Sources confirmed that parliamentarians received their revised January salaries following the prime minister’s approval. 

Earlier, on December 16, 2024, the Punjab Assembly approved exorbitant salary increases for its members and officials, raising concerns amid economic challenges in the province.

Under new law, Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representative Act 2024, the monthly salaries of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) saw sharp rise from Rs76,000 to Rs400,000 — a staggering 426% increase.

The bill also includes substantial hikes for provincial ministers and senior officials. Punjab ministers now receive Rs960,000, instead of Rs100,000 in term of monthly salary (860% increase).

Similarly, salary of speaker were increased from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000 (660% increase), while deputy speaker’s salary hiked from Rs120,000 to Rs775,000 (546% increase).

Additionally, salaries of parliamentary secretaries were increased from Rs83,000 to Rs451,000 (443% increase), while special assistants and advisors now get Rs665,000 instead of Rs100,000 in term of monthly salary (565% increase).

The bill, came into effect on January 1, 2025.