A heated exchange has erupted between National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over the controversial issue of salary hikes for top parliamentary positions.
Following persistent criticism and allegations from Khawaja Asif, the Speaker has written a formal letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, clarifying his stance on the matter, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.
According to sources, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has completely disassociated himself from the pay raise issue, stating in his letter that he neither initiated nor supports the salary increase.
“I have no connection or interest in this matter. Feel free not to increase my salary—I am not involved,” the speaker wrote, effectively leaving the decision in the hands of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Sources within the Speaker’s Office maintained that any decision regarding salary increments lies solely with the federal cabinet and the Prime Minister, not the Speaker of the National Assembly. The Speaker has not only refused to accept the increased salary but also chosen not to respond directly to Khawaja Asif’s allegations.
The controversy stems from Khawaja Asif’s public condemnation of the salary hikes, which he expressed on June 11 via social media platform X. Calling the increments “financial vulgarity”, Asif urged lawmakers to reflect on the suffering of ordinary citizens, emphasising that the dignity of public office holders depends on their compassion for the common man.
Reacting swiftly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took immediate notice of the matter on June 12. He has called for detailed explanations from both the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker regarding the rationale behind the proposed pay raises for the Senate chairman, deputy chairman, speaker of the National Assembly, and the deputy speaker.
Sources told 24NewsHD TV channel that PM Shehbaz Sharif will deliver a final ruling on the matter after receiving and reviewing the reports from both parliamentary leaders. Meanwhile, Speaker Sadiq’s letter also pointed out that Khawaja Asif’s criticism appears selective, as it targets only the Speaker despite similar raises for other top parliamentary figures, including the Senate chairman.
Reporter: Awais Kiyani