The recent decision to increase the salaries of Pakistan’s Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) has sparked public outrage. As of January 2025, MNAs will receive a monthly salary of 519,000 PKR, a significant increase that has drawn criticism from social media users.
Many argue that the raise is unfair, especially given the financial struggles faced by ordinary citizens due to high taxes and the country’s debt. Critics point out that the government is imposing heavy taxes on the salaried class to manage the financial crisis, while lawmakers benefit from a significant pay raise.
Despite the backlash, some defend the salary hike, arguing that parliamentarians require a full-time commitment and deserve a higher salary to attract qualified individuals to politics. However, the criticism persists, questioning the justification for such an increase given Pakistan’s financial challenges.