MNA Salary in Pakistan 2025 Salary hike in Recent Budget by 500%
ISLAMABAD – In 2025, Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) in Pakistan saw a major salary increase approved by Parliament, raising their pay to PKR 519,000 per month, up from around PKR 180,000–188,000.
What’s Changed
- The Members of Parliament Salaries & Allowances Amendment Bill, 2025 passed both houses in February.
- The new pay scale matches the salary of federal secretaries, reflecting a significant upgrade.
- Federal and state ministers also received the same pay following a presidential ordinance in May.
Before and After Comparison
| Role | Before Raise | After Raise |
|---|---|---|
| MNA | ~PKR 180k | PKR 519,000 |
| Federal Minister | PKR 200k | PKR 519,000 |
| State Minister | PKR 180k | PKR 519,000 |
| Speaker / Deputy Speaker | PKR 218k | (No change) |
Reactions & Debate
- The decision sparked controversy amid ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and higher living costs for average citizens.
- Jamaat‑i‑Islami criticized the move, calling it a “betrayal of the public” during hard times.
- Supporters argue that aligning MNA pay with secretaries’ is fair, as lawmakers hold high-level responsibilities.
Why the Hike?
- The salary hike aims to reflect the weight of parliamentary duties, ensuring that lawmakers can serve without undue financial concern.
- The Finance Committee, led by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, justified the increase by comparing it with other high-ranking roles.
What Comes Next?
- The bill is awaiting presidential assent to take effect — expected soon.
- Critics want transparent use of tax money and are demanding a curb on benefits and perks that come with higher salaries.
- Some suggest that additional allowances — such as travel, medical, and housing — also need reform.
Bottom Line
Monthly MNA pay is now PKR 519,000, placing legislators on par with the upper civil service. While seen by some as appropriate compensation, the steep rise is controversial in a nation where inflation is squeezing household budgets.
