Ruling party members voice dissent over salary hikes for Speaker, Senate Chairman

Dissent is brewing within the ruling party following the government's decision to increase the salaries of the Chairman Senate and the Speaker National Assembly by over 600 per cent, with senior leaders voicing concern over the timing and optics of the move, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Sunday.

After former minister Khawaja Saad Rafique's remarks, senior leader Zahid Khan also expressed his dismay, demanding that the decision be withdrawn immediately.

“The country is grappling with serious challenges, especially on the economic front. In this environment, a steep increase in salaries is simply incomprehensible,” Zahid Khan said.

He criticised the contradiction in policy, pointing out that while the government seeks financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it is simultaneously boosting the perks and privileges of top officeholders.

“The government had earlier raised the salaries of parliamentarians, and now judges’ salaries have also gone up. These decisions reflect a self-serving mindset at a time when the public is struggling,” he added.

Zahid Khan emphasised that parliamentarians are elected to serve the people, not themselves. “When decisions are made for personal financial gain rather than the public interest, it sends a damaging message,” he warned.

Accusing the leadership of being detached from ground realities, he said, “It’s as if the rulers are only interested in filling their own pockets, with little regard for the hardships of ordinary citizens.”

Calling for symbolic leadership, Zahid Khan urged the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman Senate to voluntarily refuse the salary hike. “They must lead by example and reject these additional benefits,” he said.