Pakistan’s ruling elite has once again prioritized itself over the struggling masses, approving an outrageous 176% salary hike for Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) while the country grapples with economic collapse, skyrocketing inflation, and mass unemployment. With this raise, MNAs’ salaries have surged from Rs188,000 to Rs516,000 per month, effective from January 1, 2025—a shocking move at a time when ordinary citizens *can barely afford basic necessities.
Despite the public outcry, the decision was swiftly approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and finalized by the National Assembly Finance Committee, exposing the political class’s shameless greed. Meanwhile, millions of Pakistanis struggle with record-high food prices, rising utility bills, and worsening economic conditions. The government, instead of addressing crippling inflation or joblessness, has once again rewarded itself for failure.
This massive pay raise comes amid a growing economic crisis, where even civil servants received modest salary adjustments compared to these lavish raises. While hospitals lack medicine, schools crumble, and power outages paralyze cities, Pakistan’s lawmakers have ensured their own comfort at the expense of taxpayers.
Adding insult to injury, provincial assemblies are likely to follow suit, with Punjab already hiking salaries to Rs500,000 per month, while Balochistan MLAs earn Rs440,000. Meanwhile, legislators in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to demand similar increases, widening the gap between the ruling elite and the struggling masses.
Pakistan, a country that begs for foreign loans to stay afloat, is now lavishing its corrupt politicians with hefty raises, proving once again that failed leadership is the biggest crisis the country faces. With no economic stability in sight, the government’s priorities remain clear—loot, plunder, and self-enrichment at all costs.
