Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly opposed the recent salary and perk increases for the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate. He called this move “financial extravagance” and criticised the raise as an example of excessive spending.

In his statement, Khawaja Asif also pointed out that the increase in salaries and benefits for the Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairman is similarly extravagant.

He said, “There is a need to consider the life of the common man,” adding, “the nation’s honour and dignity depend on their well-being.”

As per the reports, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani will now be paid PKR 1.3 million per month. Previously, both officials were receiving a monthly salary of PKR 205,000.

This hike will be implemented starting from January 1, 2025, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

In addition to this, a previous decision by the government approved a PKR 519,000 increase in the monthly salaries of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Senators.

Sources referenced include the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and media reports highlighting the federal government’s notification and decisions.