Pakistan MPs get highest salaries in South Asia

Islamabad – According to a comparative review of parliamentary salaries in South Asia, Pakistani lawmakers receive the highest monthly salaries in the region while Pakistan’s per capita income remains lower than that of several countries in the region.

According to data released under the title “Parliamentarians’ Salaries and Benefits vs. Per Capita Income in the Region,” the monthly salary of a Pakistani parliamentarian stood at $3,530 as of July 2026, the highest in the region.

The data shows that an Indian parliamentarian receives a monthly salary of $2,813 while the figure is $1,400 in Bangladesh, $1,100 in Sri Lanka and $600 in Nepal.

According to the report, Pakistan’s annual per capita income stands at $1,500, compared with $2,954 in India, $3,037 in Bangladesh, $4,000 in Sri Lanka and $1,400 in Nepal.

The report states that the monthly salary of a Pakistani parliamentarian is nearly six times higher than that of a Nepalese parliamentarian and more than twice that of a Bangladeshi parliamentarian.

Gap between public income and Parliamentary salaries

The data highlights a significant gap between the salaries of Pakistani lawmakers and the per capita income of ordinary citizens, sparking debate over financial priorities and the benefits provided to public representatives.

Critics argue that such a wide gap between the income of public representatives and the economic conditions of ordinary citizens is a matter of concern. Supporters however, say parliamentary salaries take into account expenses related to electoral constituencies, security, travel facilities and legislative responsibilities.

The report states that the figures were compiled based on the official salary structures as of July 2026 and per capita income estimates from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).