Lahore, December 17, 2024: In a landmark decision, the Punjab Assembly approved a bill significantly increasing the salaries of its members and key officeholders. With the bill’s passage, the monthly salary of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) will rise from Rs76,000 to Rs400,000. Provincial ministers will see their pay increase from Rs100,000 to a remarkable Rs960,000.
The Speaker’s salary will jump from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000, while the Deputy Speaker’s salary has been raised from Rs120,000 to Rs775,000. Parliamentary secretaries will now earn Rs451,000, up from Rs83,000.
Similarly, special assistants and advisers will experience a pay increase from Rs100,000 to Rs665,000 each.
The new salaries will take effect from January 1, 2025. According to sources, the bill enjoyed overwhelming support from the house, with many members celebrating and congratulating each other following its approval.
However, Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar voiced concerns, questioning whether the bill adhered to the Parliamentary Rules Act of 1972. Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan dismissed these objections, asserting that the bill was fully compliant with existing laws. He also praised the government for taking the initiative to address the financial concerns of assembly members.
The bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons emphasized the need for the revision, stating: “The last increase in their salaries was made in 2019, and the emoluments drawn by them are very low and inadequate in the prevailing circumstances.”
It further explained that adjustments to the perks, salaries, and allowances of officeholders—including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, MPAs, parliamentary secretaries, advisers, special assistants, and ministers—require amendments to respective laws, which the assembly must approve.
