Lawmakers express discontent over PM’s directive to forgo two months’ salaries

ISLAMABAD: A number of parliamentarians from both government and opposition benches have voiced their dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive asking lawmakers to forgo their salaries for two months. The order, which aims to help share the country’s economic burden attributed to the US-Israel war on Iran and the ongoing global oil crisis, has sparked debate within parliamentary circles.

According to a senior legislator who spoke to Dawn on condition of anonymity, the prime minister’s decision is being viewed by some as “direct interference in constitutional matters.” The legislator stated that even members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are among those who are “not happy” with the move.

“Parliamentarians never oppose deductions from their salaries for any national cause, but this time they have termed the prime minister’s order as a dictation which they cannot tolerate,” the legislator said. He further mentioned that many lawmakers had decided not to comply with the directive.

Reports indicate that parliamentarians have been issued forms to opt for salary donation. While some lawmakers have previously accepted salary cuts for national causes, the current situation has led to concerns about executive overreach and the autonomy of parliamentarians in making such decisions.

The prime minister’s call comes at a time when Pakistan is facing increased economic pressure due to external conflicts and rising global oil prices. However, the method of implementation—perceived by some as top-down—has led to discontent among legislators, who argue that such measures should be voluntary rather than imposed.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches regarding financial contributions and decision-making authority in times of national crisis.