PML-N Lawmaker Says Workers Struggle to Run Families on Rs50,000, While His Rs500,000 Salary Falls Short

LAHORE:Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Tahir Jameel has expressed concern over the financial difficulties faced by low-income workers, saying he often wonders how a labourer earning Rs50,000 a month manages household expenses.

Speaking during a podcast, Jameel said that although his own monthly salary was Rs500,000, he was still finding it difficult to manage his expenses.

“I think about how a labourer manages a household on Rs50,000,” he said, referring to the cost of rent, healthcare, children’s expenses and transportation.

Jameel said workers also had to pay for fuel to travel within the city while meeting the educational and daily needs of their children. He said these expenses made it extremely difficult for people earning around Rs50,000 a month to run their households.

His comments come amid renewed public discussion over the salaries and financial benefits of elected representatives in Pakistan.

Earlier this month, PML-N MNA Shumaila Rana also said that her monthly salary of around Rs520,000 was difficult to manage and argued that lawmakers’ salaries should be increased to Rs1 million. Her remarks were widely reported and prompted discussion about parliamentary compensation and the financial pressures faced by ordinary citizens.

Rana said lawmakers faced significant expenses and claimed they were not provided with facilities such as official accommodation, a vehicle or a government driver. She also referred to her dietary expenses while explaining why she considered the existing salary insufficient.

The remarks by both lawmakers have brought attention to the contrast between the income levels of elected representatives and workers in lower-paid occupations, particularly at a time when household expenses remain a major concern for salaried and low-income families.

Jameel also spoke about his family and political background, recalling the political struggles and sacrifices of his mother. He said she had participated extensively in grassroots politics, attended rallies and demonstrations and faced imprisonment during periods of political struggle.

He further described her participation in political activities, including an incident in which she crossed the Governor House gate during a democratic struggle.

Jameel concluded by reflecting on the difficult nature of politics, saying that political life involves significant challenges and sacrifices.

The comments have added to the ongoing public debate over lawmakers’ salaries, workers’ incomes and the broader gap between the earnings of different sections of Pakistani society.