ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the Senate about the salaries, allowances and other benefits of federal ministers.
During Senate Question Hour, Minister Tarar provided detailed information on the salaries and allowances of parliamentarians, noting that Members of the National Assembly (MNA) receive a monthly salary of Rs156,000.
However, he clarified that no vehicles are provided to parliamentarians, with only Rs 8,000 allocated every month for 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 the subject of possible salary increases, Tarar stressed that Parliament often cites economic constraints when discussing increases 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.