Federal Cabinet Okays Massive Salary Increase for Ministers

The salaries and allowances of federal cabinet members have been significantly increased, with federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers receiving raises of up to 188 percent.

Sources confirmed on Thursday that the federal ministers approved a salary hike for themselves and ministers of state through circulation. This was made possible by an amendment to the Federal Ministers and Ministers of State (Allowances and Salaries) Act, 1975.

Following the amendment’s approval, the revised salary for federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers now stands at Rs. 519,000. Previously, federal ministers earned Rs. 200,000, while ministers of state received Rs. 180,000.

This change represents a substantial 159 percent increase for federal ministers, while ministers of state and advisers have seen an increment of up to 188 percent. The revised salary structure takes effect immediately.

Earlier this year, in January, the Finance Committee approved a salary increase for MNAs and senators, raising their monthly pay to Rs. 519,000, effective from January 1, 2025.

However, sources indicate that the salaries of the speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly remain unchanged, as the Finance Committee lacks the authority to revise their pay. They will continue to receive Rs. 218,000 per month, according to the Speaker’s Office.

A proposal recommending that lawmakers’ salaries and benefits be aligned with those of a federal secretary was submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The National Assembly’s Finance Committee approved the proposal, after which Speaker Ayaz Sadiq forwarded it to the prime minister. The proposal suggested setting the monthly salary and allowances of MNAs and senators at Rs. 519,000.