The Punjab government has approved a new law called the “Punjab Public Representatives Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025,” which significantly increases the leave allowances for high-ranking officials, including provincial ministers, the Speaker, and the Deputy Speaker.
Under the new changes, ministers who go on leave will now receive Rs 960,000 per month, compared to the previous amount of Rs 74,000. Similarly, the leave allowance for the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly has been raised from Rs 37,000 to Rs 950,000. The Deputy Speaker will now receive Rs 775,000 during leave, instead of the earlier amount of Rs 37,000.
This dramatic increase in allowances comes shortly after a major rise in the basic salaries of these public officials—reportedly ten times more than before. These decisions have sparked strong criticism from the public and media, especially at a time when many ordinary citizens are struggling with high inflation, unemployment, and economic pressure.
Critics argue that such large increases in financial benefits for government officials are unfair and disconnected from the hardships faced by the general population. Many believe that instead of approving such high allowances, public funds should be used to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure for the people of Punjab.
