Government Justifies Hefty Pay Raise While Acknowledging Public Tax Burden
ISLAMABAD:
Despite persistent rhetoric on fiscal discipline and cost-cutting, the federal cabinet, under the PML-N-led government, has sanctioned a dramatic salary hike for ministers, ministers of state, and advisers—raising their monthly compensation to an astounding Rs519,000.
This 188% salary surge coincides with the government’s own admission of the financial hardships faced by the salaried class due to heavy taxation, as revealed in the National Assembly. The decision, which benefits high-ranking officials, comes at a time when ordinary citizens are urged to tighten their belts due to increasing tax pressures.
Massive Pay Raise for Ministers Amid Economic Woes
This development follows the National Assembly’s Finance Committee’s decision, made two months prior, to raise the salaries and allowances of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators, aligning them with the earnings of federal secretaries.
The move, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was approved unanimously, further fueling concerns about government spending in an economically strained environment.
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Expanding Cabinet Despite Austerity Claims
Ironically, while calling for financial restraint, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has more than doubled the federal cabinet’s size, expanding it from 21 to 43 members. This now includes:
30 Federal Ministers
9 Ministers of State
4 Advisers
Additionally, the Prime Minister has appointed four Special Assistants (SAPMs), bringing the total size of his team to 51 members.
This expansion stands in contrast to the Constitution’s Article 92, which stipulates that no more than one-fourth of ministers can be from the Senate and that the cabinet size should not exceed 11% of the total parliamentary membership. With 432 lawmakers (336 MNAs & 96 Senators), the government continues the long-standing trend of oversized cabinets, despite repeated pledges to keep them small.
Ministers Acknowledge Tax Burden But Offer No Immediate Relief
State Minister for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani addressed the National Assembly, acknowledging that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recognizes the mounting tax pressures on salaried individuals. However, he admitted that the government’s fragile economic situation prevents immediate relief.
“We hope to be in a position soon where relief can be provided,” Kayani remarked—without providing a concrete timeline for any tax reduction or financial relief.
FAQs
Why did the government increase ministers’ salaries by 188%?
The government claims the increase aligns ministerial salaries with inflation and rising living costs, though it coincides with economic hardships for the general public.How much is the new salary for federal ministers?
After the increase, federal ministers will receive Rs519,000 per month, a sharp rise from previous salaries.How large is the federal cabinet now?
The cabinet now consists of 51 members, including ministers, state ministers, advisers, and special assistants.Is the government providing any financial relief to the public?
While acknowledging the tax burden on salaried individuals, the government has not provided any immediate relief or a specific timeline for future reductions.
