Federal cabinet to get 'pay boost'

Govt moves to amend law for ministers' salaries

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ISLAMABAD:

Days after parliamentarians received an approximately 300% increase in their pay, the federal government has kicked off preparations to boost the salaries of the federal cabinet.

The government has decided to amend the Salaries, Allowances and Privileges Act, 1975, specifically targeting federal ministers and ministers of state.

According to sources, a summary of amendments for clause three of the Act has been prepared, and a substantial increase in the salaries of federal ministers was on the horizon.

The decision to amend the Allowances and Salaries Act, 1975 for both federal ministers and ministers of state has been reached on a principled basis. It has been determined that the amendment will focus on clause three of the Act, which pertains to ministerial salaries.

At present, a federal minister's salary stands at Rs200,000, while a minister of state's salary is Rs180,000, with additional allowances for vehicles, offices, and other benefits provided on top of these figures. Sources added that, following the amendment, a substantial increase in the salaries of ministers is expected.

It is important to note that just last week, dismissing criticism over a proposed salary increase, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a major raise for parliamentarians.

Although the raise amounted to an approximately 300% increase, the government justified it by comparing it with the salaries drawn by federal secretaries.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had notified the raise following the prime minister's approval, and it also emerged that parliamentarians have already received their revised salary for the month of January.