What are the salaries and benefits of federal ministers?

ISLAMABAD: The Senate was briefed by Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on the salaries, perks and other allowances received by federal ministers.

Minister Tarar, during the Senate Question Hour, gave detailed information on the remuneration and allowances of legislators. He informed that Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) receive Rs 156,000 per month.

He, however, clarified that the legislators do not have vehicles and receive only Rs 8,000 per month for their utility bills.

Minister Tarar also revealed that federal ministers earn a salary close to Rs200,000, with 95% of them choosing not to receive their full salary. Additionally, ministers are allocated a 1,500 cc car and 400 liters of petrol, but they have to pay their own electricity and gas bills as they receive no other official benefits.

On possible salary increases, Tarar pointed out that Parliament often cites economic constraints when discussing raises for civil servants.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior submitted a written response regarding the National Database and Registration Authority’s (Nadra) compliance with austerity measures.

The ministry said Nadra had not purchased any vehicles in the past two years in line with its cost-cutting policy. However, in 2022, Nadra purchased 35 vehicles for personnel transportation and operational purposes, worth Rs 264.3 million.

These included two coaches and a bus for staff pick-up services. Senator Dinesh Kumar raised concerns over luxury vehicles being used for pick-up services.