A raise too far

At a time when the majority of Pakistanis are tightening their belts in the face of relentless inflation and shrinking incomes, news of the astronomical hike in salaries and allowances for top government officeholders has rightly provoked public outrage. That the monthly remuneration of the National Assembly Speaker and Senate Chairman has jumped from Rs205,000 to a staggering Rs1.3 million — with total benefits exceeding Rs2 million — is not just tone-deaf but also a betrayal of public trust.

What makes this even more egregious is the timing. Only weeks ago, the federal budget offered a paltry 7% increase to government employees, many of whom already struggle to make ends meet. Meanwhile, there has been no meaningful movement on increasing the minimum wage, which remains grossly insufficient to support a family in today's economic climate.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that this is not the first instance of unjustified self-enrichment. Members of the National Assembly and superior judiciary have already benefitted from earlier hikes, further fuelling the perception that the public office increasingly serves the personal interests of the elite. It is perhaps in recognition of this backlash that a key federal minister has now hinted at reviewing, or even withdrawing, the salary increase.

But this backpedaling, while welcome, raises an uncomfortable question: how was such an insensitive proposal approved in the first place? Where is the accountability within the system that allows such decisions to pass through unnoticed — until the public reacts?

The government must do more than merely reverse this raise. It must restore credibility by committing to a transparent and needs-based salary structure for all public servants. Any increases must be benchmarked against national economic indicators and the financial hardships faced by the average citizen.