Sindh Assembly members to get huge salary increase

KARACHI: A new bill outlining new salaries, allowances, and amenities for Sindh Assembly members has been prepared and will be presented in the assembly today.

The new salary package would become effective from July 1, 2025, if approved by the authorities, official sources said.

The bill contains several benefits for legislators, including the provision of house allowances, utility bills, medical expenses, transportation, and other allowances. It also provides the Leader of the Opposition with the same facilities as a provincial minister.

The bill insists on the formation of a Parliamentary Committee to make yearly proposals on salary and allowances that must be obeyed by the provincial government. The chairperson of the committee would be given an official car and fuel allowance.

The draft legislation will also do away with the archaic 1974 law and come up with a contemporary framework in tune with other provincial assemblies’ practice.

The draft bill also requires pay scales to be readjusted vis-à-vis other provinces so that any revisions—increases or decreases—are made on the basis of the recommendations by the committee, which the government will have to follow.

At the national level, much groundwork is also in the offing for huge salary increases for Senators and Members of the National Assembly (MNAs). The MNAs’ pay could be increased by as much as 200% from the current Rs. 1.68 lakh per month. The bill, which is being supported by coalition parties as well as opposition forces, will be tabled in the Senate and National Assembly for passage.

Apart from lawmakers, advisors, and ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate are also going to get handsome hikes, with the latter two likely getting their monthly remuneration hiked to Rs. 15 lakh.