US State Dept dismisses question on salary hike for Punjab lawmakers

US State Department spokesman Mathew Miller has dismissed a question regarding the recent increase in the salaries of Punjab lawmakers and ministers.

Earlier on Monday, the Punjab assembly had passed the Punjab Revision of Salaries of Public Representatives Bill 2024, significantly raising the pay of MPAs, ministers, the speaker, deputy speaker, advisers and special assistants. The increase ranges between 426 per cent for MPAs and 860% for ministers.

During a regular US State Department press briefing in Washington DC, a journalist raised the issue, questioning the appropriateness of such a massive pay hike in a country grappling with widespread poverty.

The journalist pointed out that just a month ago, Pakistan’s Finance Minister was in Washington seeking loans and financial assistance.

In his response, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that while he was aware of the question, the issue was one for Pakistan’s citizens and their government.

"The question of salary increases is for the people and government of Pakistan, not the United States," Miller remarked. "We do not comment on the salaries of government employees in any country."

Despite the pressing nature of the issue, Miller stated that the US does not interfere in domestic matters of other countries, including salary decisions for ministers.

He further emphasised that the responsibility lies with the Pakistani government to address such concerns.

The pay rise, passed by the provincial assembly of Punjab, has raised eyebrows among many, especially given the country’s current financial struggles.

Punjab Assembly passes bill to increase members' salaries to Rs500,000

The bill was passed with a majority vote, signalling a significant pay raise for the legislators. Following the approval, assembly members expressed their satisfaction and congratulated each other on the bill's successful passing.

However, the proposed salary hike has raised concerns among some opposition members. Ahmad Khan Bhuchar, the Leader of the Opposition, questioned the legitimacy of the bill and raised concerns over whether it complied with the Parliamentary Laws Act of 1972.

In response, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, assured the house that the bill was in full accordance with existing laws and praised the government's decision as a positive and well-justified step.