By Shafaat Yar Khan
In a country grappling with crippling debt and widespread poverty, the recent exorbitant increase in perks for elected representatives has sparked widespread criticism and outrage. As ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet amidst rising inflation and economic uncertainty, the ruling elite continues to shower itself with lavish perks, including luxury cars, fuel allowances, free conservancy bills, air travel, and a myriad of other benefits. The stark contrast between the lives of the privileged few and the suffering masses underscores the urgent need for austerity measures that start at the top.
The Members of Parliament Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed with a majority vote in the National Assembly, has set the stage for a staggering 138% increase in parliamentarians’ remunerations. Under this bill, salaries for parliamentarians will rise from Rs218,000 to Rs519,000. This move comes at a time when the country’s fiscal health is in shambles, with mounting debt and a dire need for prudent financial management.
Equally alarming is the situation in the Punjab Assembly, which in December unanimously approved a bill to significantly increase lawmakers’ salaries. The basic pay for provincial lawmakers was raised from Rs76,000 to Rs400,000. The speaker’s salary saw a dramatic increase from Rs125,000 to Rs950,000, while the deputy speaker’s pay was hiked from Rs120,000 to Rs800,000. Parliamentary secretaries are now set to receive Rs451,000, up from the previous Rs83,000. Advisers and special assistants to the Chief Minister will see their salaries soar from Rs100,000 to Rs665,000 each.
These astronomical salary hikes are not limited to basic pay alone. Elected representatives enjoy a host of other privileges, including subsidized utilities, healthcare benefits, and generous travel allowances. The acquisition of luxury vehicles at public expense and the unrestrained use of fuel further burden an already overstretched national budget. Such extravagant spending stands in stark contrast to the severe austerity measures imposed on ordinary citizens, who are urged to tighten their belts in the face of economic hardship.
The timing of these salary hikes is particularly egregious given Pakistan’s declining standing on global corruption indices. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks Pakistan 135th out of 180 countries, marking a decline from its position at 133 in 2023. The country’s CPI score also dropped from 29 to 27, indicating a worsening perception of corruption.
The social consequences of such extravagance are equally dire. The growing disparity between the ruling elite and the general population breeds resentment and erodes public trust in government institutions. Citizens are left questioning the commitment of their leaders to serve the nation when those in power prioritize their personal comfort over the welfare of the people.
A comparison with other democratic countries reveals a stark contrast in the approach to public service. In nations like Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand, elected representatives lead by example, embracing humility and financial prudence. Their transparent governance and accountable practices have earned them top positions on the Corruption Perceptions Index. In these countries, austerity measures often begin at the top, with leaders demonstrating a genuine commitment to serving the public.
In Pakistan, however, the culture of entitlement among elected representatives persists. The lack of political will to implement meaningful reforms has allowed this culture to flourish. The absence of stringent accountability mechanisms further exacerbates the problem, enabling the misuse of public funds without consequence.
To address this issue, several steps must be taken. First and foremost, there must be a comprehensive review of the perks and privileges granted to elected representatives. Salary structures should be aligned with the country’s economic realities, and non-essential perks must be eliminated. Transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of public funds are essential to restore public trust.
Furthermore, austerity measures must be implemented across all levels of government. Elected representatives should lead by example, demonstrating a genuine commitment to financial prudence. This includes foregoing luxury vehicles, reducing travel expenses, and paying for their own conservancy bills. Such measures would not only reduce the financial burden on the national budget but also send a powerful message to the public that their leaders are willing to share in the sacrifices required for national recovery.
Strengthening anti-corruption institutions and ensuring their independence are also crucial steps. The judiciary, anti-corruption bodies, and law enforcement agencies must operate without political interference to hold corrupt officials accountable. This would build public confidence in the accountability mechanisms and deter future malpractices.
Public awareness and engagement are equally important. Civil society organizations and the media play a critical role in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. Citizens must be empowered to demand transparency and integrity from their leaders, fostering a culture where corruption and extravagance are not tolerated.
The recent Transparency International report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Pakistan faces in combating corruption and promoting good governance. The country’s leadership must recognize the gravity of the situation and take immediate steps to address it. Failure to do so will only deepen the economic and social crises facing the nation.
As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, the path to reform may be difficult, but it is not impossible. By embracing financial prudence, fostering transparency, and demonstrating genuine leadership, the country can pave the way for a more accountable and prosperous future. It is time for the ruling elite to shed its culture of entitlement and lead by example, setting the stage for a more equitable and just Pakistan.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
