IN a move that would have left many people scratching their heads, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a staggering three hundred percent increase in the salaries of parliamentarians. The government has justified it by comparing it with the salaries being drawn by federal secretaries. While it is understandable that public representatives deserve fair compensation for their work, the scale and timing of this raise raises valid concerns.
At a time when the government is implementing austerity measures, including the abolition of approximately 150,000 jobs, such a substantial raise appears disproportionate and risks sending mixed signals about the fiscal priorities. It is worth emphasizing that this is not a critique of parliamentarians. Public service is a demanding responsibility, and those who dedicate themselves to it deserve fair remuneration. However, the scale of this increase coming on the heels of a similar raise for Punjab MPs—could have been more gradual and phased. The challenges faced by low-ranking government employees cannot be overlooked. Many are struggling to meet their daily expenses due to rising utility bills, inflation and the soaring costs of essential commodities. The fact of the matter is that public sector employees are still waiting for promises to be fulfilled. For instance, the house hiring allowance for government employees has yet to be increased, despite the fact that three years have passed since the last increase. And it is not just that – in some departments, employees are still awaiting the implementation of the salary raise announced in the 2024-2025 budget. This ongoing delay only deepens the sense of frustration and neglect among the working class. Such discrepancies must be addressed and that too swiftly otherwise it will only increase resentment among the public. It is not just about raising salaries, but ensuring fairness and equal treatment for all. A gradual increase in parliamentary salaries, rather than a sharp, disproportionate jump, could have helped align the government’s policies with reality on the ground. If the government is genuinely committed to easing the burden of the masses, it needs to apply the same level of consideration and urgency to the concerns of low and middle class as it does to the demands of the political elite.
