Salary of federal ministers revealed

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has briefed the Senate on the federal ministers' salaries, allowances, and other perks.

During the Senate’s question hour, Minister Tarar provided detailed information about the salaries and allowances of parliamentarians, noting that Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) receive a monthly salary of Rs156,000.

However, he clarified that no vehicles are provided to parliamentarians, with only Rs8,000 allotted monthly for utility bills.

Minister Tarar also revealed that federal ministers earn a salary close to Rs200,000, with 95% of them opting not to receive their full pay. Additionally, ministers are allocated a 1500cc car and 400 litres of petrol, but they must pay their own electricity and gas bills, as they do not receive any other official perks.

On the subject of potential salary increases, Tarar highlighted that Parliament often cites economic constraints when discussing raises for public officials.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry presented a written response regarding the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra)'s adherence to austerity measures.

The ministry said that Nadra had not purchased any vehicles in the last two years as per its cost-cutting policy. However, in 2022, Nadra procured 35 vehicles for staff transportation and operational purposes, worth Rs264.3 million.

These included two coaches and one bus for staff pick-and-drop services. Senator Dinesh Kumar raised concerns regarding the luxury vehicles being used for pick-and-drop services.