The federal government has significantly increased the salaries of federal ministers and ministers of state, bringing them on par with members of the National Assembly (MNAs). President Asif Ali Zardari has officially issued an ordinance to amend the “Salaries, Allowances and Privileges Act, 1975.”

According to the official notification, this ordinance raises the basic salaries of federal ministers and ministers of state by more than 140%. As per the new law, the monthly salary of a federal minister has been increased from Rs218,000 to Rs519,000.

This salary hike will be implemented retroactively from January 1, 2025. This means all eligible ministers will receive arrears covering the months since January.

The government’s decision has sparked mixed reactions in political and public circles. Critics have termed the move surprising and insensitive, especially at a time when the public is grappling with severe economic hardship.

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Economic analysts and political observers have questioned the timing and justification of such a steep salary increase, arguing that it runs counter to public interest in the face of rising inflation and a struggling economy.