President Arif Alvi of Islamabad (Anser Abbasi) desires an increase in his salary. Upon reviewing official documents, it becomes evident that the President has requested two increments in his salary. The first increment should take effect from July 1, 2021, while the second increment should take effect from July 1, 2023. Currently, the President’s monthly salary is Rs. 846,550. He wishes for two stages of increments. Under this plan, from July 2021, his salary would become Rs. 1,024,325, and from July 2023, it would increase to Rs. 1,229,190.
In a letter written to the Cabinet Secretary through the Military Secretary in the early days of the current month, the Presidential Secretariat has expressed the desire for amendment in the Presidential Salary, Allowances, and Perquisites (Amendment) Act 2018, in the Fourth Schedule. This is in order for the President’s salary to be insignificantly higher than that of any public office holder in the Federation. Consequently, the President’s monthly salary was fixed at Rs. 846,550 in 2018, and this is also evident in the Fourth Schedule. Chief Justice Pakistan’s salary, as a public office holder, has been increased twice during the last two years through Presidential Orders. From July 1, 2021, Chief Justice’s salary increased to Rs. 1,024,324, and from July 1, 2023, it will be Rs. 1,229,189. Thus, the President’s salary was not increased, keeping in view the established principles.
In light of the above, the Presidency has indicated its desire for amendment in the Fourth Schedule. The Cabinet Division forwarded the matter to the Ministry of Law, which recommended on August 18 to initiate the process for salary increments for the President. The Ministry of Law stated that, as per Section 3(2) of the same Act, the federal government has the authority to amend the Schedule through a notification, and there is no need to introduce a separate amendment Act for this purpose to reconsider the President’s salary. The Finance Division also endorsed the proposal on August 22 to increase the President’s salary. This matter will now be presented to the Cabinet for approval. Consequently, the President will not only receive the desired salary increment but also substantial residual benefits since his salary has been increased on two levels, effective from July 1, 2021, and subsequently from July 1, 2023.
