Federal Ministers
The federal cabinet members, including federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers, have received a substantial salary and allowance increase, with increments reaching up to 188%.
This significant hike was approved through a summary circulated among the ministers, leading to amendments in the Federal Ministers and Ministers of State (Allowances and Salaries) Act, 1975. The revised salaries will take immediate effect following the approval of the new bill.
Sources confirmed on Thursday that under the new structure, the salary of a federal minister, minister of state, and adviser has been set at Rs519,000 per month.
Previously, federal ministers were earning Rs200,000, while ministers of state received Rs180,000. This adjustment represents a notable 159% increase in the salaries of federal ministers, while ministers of state and advisers have seen their salaries rise by as much as 188%.
The decision follows a broader trend of salary adjustments within the government. Earlier this year, in January, the Finance Committee had approved a similar increase for members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and senators, setting their monthly salaries at Rs519,000.
This increment was implemented from January 1, 2025. However, sources indicate that the salaries of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly remained unchanged, as the Finance Committee does not hold the authority to modify their pay. The Speaker’s Office confirmed that they would continue to receive Rs218,000 per month.
Additionally, a proposal recommending that the salaries and benefits of lawmakers be aligned with those of a federal secretary was submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The National Assembly’s Finance Committee reviewed and approved this proposal before Speaker Ayaz Sadiq forwarded it to the prime minister for consideration.
The recommendation aimed to standardize the compensation structure, ensuring that the monthly salary and allowances of MNAs and senators matched those of a federal secretary.
This latest round of salary adjustments has sparked discussions about government spending, especially amid economic challenges. The significant increase in pay for federal ministers and lawmakers has drawn mixed reactions from various sectors, with some questioning the timing and necessity of such hikes.
