Before the announcement of the Federal Budget 2025–2026, one announcement by the government captured the attention — and concern — of the public more than any other: a staggering 500 percent increase in the salaries of the parliamentarians.
On the contrary, the government announced a modest 10 percent increase in the salaries of government servants and a 7 percent raise in pensions of the retired employees in the recently unveiled Federal Budget for 2025–26.
The stark contrast between these figures has sparked widespread debate across Pakistan, both in political circles and among ordinary citizens struggling with rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
The news of such an enormous increase for the parliamentarians was met with a mixture of disbelief, frustration, and anger. At a time when the economy is under significant strain, and the common man is experiencing high utility bills, petrol prices, food inflation, and stagnant incomes, the decision appears to many as disconnected from ground realities. For a nation that is still heavily reliant on international loans and budgetary support, including from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the idea of parliamentarians receiving five times their previous salaries sends a message that appears insensitive to the financial hardships facing the average Pakistani.
The justification given by some government officials is that the parliamentarians have not received substantial salary increases for several years. They argue that the revised salaries are more in line with the standards of other countries, especially within the region. Moreover, they suggest that higher pay will reduce the incentive for corruption and attract more competent individuals into politics. While this may sound logical on paper, critics argue that the timing and scale of the increase are both highly inappropriate. They believe that the public representatives, who are meant to serve the people, should not be prioritised over those who form the backbone of the public sector machinery or over pensioners who have served the state for decades.
In contrast, the proposed 10 percent increase for the government servants, although welcomed, is not seen as adequate when measured against the rate of inflation. Over the past year, prices of essential commodities have gone up by more than 20 percent in many cases, making the real value of wages effectively shrink. The government employees, especially those in lower grades, find it difficult to make ends meet. For many, the increment may not even cover the rise in rent or electricity bills. Similarly, pensioners who were expecting some relief in this budget have expressed disappointment at the 7 percent increase, which many argue barely matches the increase in medical and living expenses.
The sharp contrast between the 500 percent increase for the lawmakers and the single-digit increases for others symbolises a deeper problem of disconnect between those who govern and those who are governed
The growing disparity in pay scales between different arms of the state raises questions about fairness and priorities. The sharp contrast between the 500 percent increase for the lawmakers and the single-digit increases for others symbolises a deeper problem of disconnect between those who govern and those who are governed. Parliamentarians, it must be remembered, also receive several allowances, including travel, accommodation, and various perks that are not available to the government servants or pensioners. When such lavish benefits are added to the new salary figures, the contrast becomes even more glaring.
This move also comes at a time when Pakistan’s economic outlook remains fragile. The budget includes significant allocations for debt servicing, and the country is still in discussions with the global financial institutions for further support. Under such circumstances, austerity and financial discipline are often the buzzwords used by those in power when addressing the public. Citizens are urged to tighten their belts, be patient, and contribute to the national development by enduring tough measures. Yet, such advice seems hollow when parliamentarians are seen to be enjoying significant financial gains at the taxpayers’ expense.
Further, the increase may also have political implications. As public discourse becomes more charged with economic anxiety, decisions that appear self-serving on the part of the politicians can fuel populist sentiments and distrust in democratic institutions. Social media platforms and public forums have already been flooded with memes, criticism, and outcries over what many see as a betrayal of public trust. There are calls from civil society organisations, media commentators, and political analysts urging the government to reconsider this decision, or at the very least, justify it with greater transparency.
Some members of the parliament have also made reservations about the raise, acknowledging that it sends the wrong message in difficult times. A few have even offered to forgo the increase voluntarily, a gesture that, while symbolic, indicates the discomfort among some lawmakers about the optics and morality of this decision. It also opens the space for a broader discussion about parliamentary reforms, including performance-based assessments, accountability, and whether the public representatives should be compensated in ways that reflect the average economic situation of the people they represent.
While the outrage over the parliamentary salary hike is understandable, it is also important to address the broader issues of salary reforms and fiscal responsibility in the public sector. Pakistan’s economy needs structural reforms that include fair wage policies, rationalisation of benefits, and merit-based recruitment and promotion systems. The government must also find a balance between rewarding performance and ensuring that the public money is used efficiently and equitably. Addressing these issues holistically, rather than in isolation, would help restore public trust in the system and ensure that future budgetary decisions are seen as fair and inclusive.
The Federal Budget 2025–26 offers a mixed bag. The increases for government servants and pensioners, while modest, provide some relief — but not enough to cover the rising cost of living. The proposed hike in the parliamentarians’ salaries seems disproportionate and poorly timed. It has drawn criticism from nearly all quarters and risks overshadowing the more positive aspects of the budget. For the budget to be successful, it must not only balance the books but also the expectations and realities of the people it is meant to serve. Public representatives must lead by example, not privilege, and show that they are in touch with the struggles of the citizens who elected them.