Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Asif Clash Over Salary Hike Controversy

ISLAMABAD: A heated dispute has surfaced between National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over the controversial issue of salary hikes for top parliamentary positions, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.

Following public criticism from Khawaja Asif, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has formally written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, distancing himself from the matter. In the letter, the Speaker clarified that he had neither proposed nor supported any increase in his salary, stating, “I have no connection or interest in this matter. Feel free not to increase my salary—I am not involved.”

Sources within the Speaker’s Office reiterated that decisions regarding salary increments are the prerogative of the federal cabinet and the Prime Minister, not the Speaker. They confirmed that Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has not only refused the increased salary but also chosen not to engage directly with Khawaja Asif’s allegations.

The controversy erupted after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly condemned the salary hikes on June 11 via social media platform X, calling them “financial vulgarity.” He urged lawmakers to show empathy for the struggling masses and reminded public office holders that their dignity lies in serving the common citizen.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly took notice of the backlash on June 12 and sought detailed explanations from both the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker. The inquiry pertains to proposed pay raises for the Senate chairman, deputy chairman, National Assembly speaker, and deputy speaker.

According to insider sources, the Prime Minister will make a final decision on the issue after reviewing the official responses from both parliamentary leaders.

Read more: No Asif–Rajnath Meeting at SCO, Confirms Foreign Office Amid Media Buzz

In his letter, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also criticized the Defence Minister’s selective outrage, noting that Khawaja Asif’s condemnation seemed to focus solely on the Speaker, while ignoring similar raises proposed for other high-ranking parliamentary officials.