Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Pakistan’s National Assembly Enacts Austerity Drive With 25% Pay Cut for MNAs

The steps answer fuel price shocks from the Middle East conflict, prompting questions about their limited fiscal payoff.

Overview

  • Lawmakers approved a two-month, 25% pay cut, lowering monthly salaries to Rs389,250 from Rs519,000 with immediate effect.
  • Business Recorder put expected savings at about Rs43.6 million per month as allowances largely remain intact, drawing opposition and analyst criticism.
  • The Secretariat withdrew 70% of official vehicles, suspended all overseas parliamentary delegations, and ordered Grade‑20+ officers to contribute two days’ salary.
  • Parliamentary operations shifted to a four‑day week with 80% of staff working from home, online committee meetings, and sessions scheduled before sunset.
  • Non‑essential procurement is frozen and energy curbs target roughly 70% cuts to electricity use, alongside a push for paperless workflows and lower cafeteria utilities.