Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Slams Massive Pay Hikes for Top Officials as ‘Financial Obscenity

Islamabad – Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has strongly condemned the significant increase in the salaries and privileges of top parliamentary officials, calling it “financial obscenity” and urging the government to consider the plight of the common man.

Speaking out against the recent developments in the federal budget 2025–26, Asif said, “The lives of ordinary citizens should be kept in mind. Our dignity and honor depend on them.” His remarks come amid widespread criticism over the disproportionate salary hikes for senior government figures compared to modest increases for civil servants.

While the federal budget proposed a 10% raise for government employees, the salaries of high-ranking officials—such as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate—have seen exponential increases. A notification issued just one day before the budget presentation approved a **500% salary hike** for the Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman Senate, raising their monthly pay from **Rs. 205,000 to Rs. 1.3 million**, effective January 1, 2025.

In another move, President Asif Ali Zardari signed an ordinance in May 2025 amending the Salary, Allowances and Privileges Act of 1975, leading to a **140% increase** in federal ministers’ salaries—from Rs. 218,000 to Rs. 519,000 per month.

Additionally, back in January 2025, the government approved a **300% increase** in salaries and allowances for Members of the National Assembly and Senate, raising their monthly pay from Rs. 180,000 to Rs. 519,000. Lawmakers had demanded a salary of Rs. 1 million per month, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The sharp contrast between the limited relief for the public sector workforce and the lavish increases for political elites has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the government’s priorities during a time of economic hardship.