By Khalid Khan
The National Assembly’s Finance Committee has approved an exorbitant increase in the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament (MPs), raising their pay to match that of federal secretaries. Under the chairmanship of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the committee has set the monthly salary and perks of Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators at a remarkable PKR 519,000, which is now set to be forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval.
This decision, though endorsed unanimously by major political parties like PPP, PML-N, and even PTI, comes as a blatant disregard for the hardships faced by the public. As Pakistan struggles with severe economic challenges, terrorism, political instability, inflation, and a stagnant economy, the legislature appears more concerned with personal financial gains than with addressing the urgent issues affecting millions of Pakistanis.
The salary increase, which aligns MPs’ pay with federal secretaries, is further evidence of a legislature that has forgotten its role in serving the people. While federal secretaries now earn PKR 519,000 a month, MPs will enjoy not only these benefits but also additional perks on par with senior civil servants. Despite the gravity of Pakistan’s social and economic crises, including skyrocketing prices, rising unemployment, and deteriorating security, the government’s response seems to prioritize the welfare of its own members.
This decision stands in sharp contrast to the needs of ordinary citizens who are struggling with soaring inflation, poverty, and insecurity. The callousness of parliamentarians in approving such pay raises underscores a systemic problem within Pakistan’s governance: the lack of accountability, responsibility, and vision for the country’s development.
The approval of this increase comes at a time when the government is scrambling to secure international loans, struggling to meet basic development needs, and failing to implement any substantial reforms in key sectors such as health, education, or infrastructure. The legislature’s decision to increase its own benefits, at a time when millions are suffering, highlights the blatant prioritization of self-interest over national well-being.
Political unity exists only when it serves the interests of lawmakers. Despite their public squabbles, all major parties—whether it’s PPP, PML-N, or PTI—have stood united in their demand for personal enrichment, while their inability to address crucial national issues stands as proof of their failure to live up to the expectations of the people.
The move to increase salaries, instead of investing in public welfare, reinforces a dangerous trend where elected representatives show more concern for their own comfort than for the needs of the people they were elected to serve. With economic instability, rising terrorism, and social unrest gripping the nation, this pay raise is a symbol of the legislature’s disconnection from the realities of the average Pakistani.
In conclusion, the pay raise granted to MPs sends a disheartening message: the nation’s legislators are not just failing in their duties—they are further exacerbating the hardships of the people. Instead of focusing on meaningful legislation and reforms, they have chosen to enrich themselves at the expense of a struggling nation. Pakistan needs leadership that prioritizes public welfare over personal benefit—something that is sorely lacking in the current political climate.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article/Opinion/Comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk News.
