PM’s salary less than half of what members of parliament receive

The country's prime minister receives a salary that is even less than half of what is paid to members of parliament and other senior officials, according to media reports.

Quoting official figures submitted by the Cabinet Division during a Senate session, the reports said that the prime minister’s basic monthly salary is Rs107,280 and with allowances, the total monthly remuneration amounts to around Rs200,000.

In comparison, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate each receive Rs1.3 million per month. Following a recent raise, members of parliament now earn Rs519,000 monthly more than double the total salary of the country’s top executive.

The Senate was further informed that the prime minister is not entitled to several benefits commonly extended to other high-ranking officials.

These include lifelong security, a post-retirement pension, and tax exemptions. Unlike many senior government functionaries, the Prime Minister does not receive any post-service financial privileges.

Also Read: Cabinet okays 188 per cent salary increase for ministers, advisers

The Cabinet Division also confirmed that the current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has voluntarily chosen not to draw any salary.

These details were disclosed during a Senate session in response to a formal query requesting details of the Prime Minister’s salary, allowances, and retirement-related benefits.

The disclosure has triggered debate over the limited financial benefits associated with the country’s highest public office.