After months of uncertainty, the decision to pay salaries to 19 restored members of the National Assembly (MNAs) has been formally reinstated, with the payment process now underway.
The Law Ministry has issued a green signal to the National Assembly Secretariat to release salaries of MNAs who were restored to reserved seats.
Following this approval, work has begun to clear outstanding dues, according to sources in the National Assembly Secretariat.
Legal guidance
The National Assembly Secretariat had earlier sought formal guidance from both the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Law Ministry on whether salaries could be paid. Sources said the Election Commission left the decision regarding salary payments to the National Assembly Secretariat.
According to the Law Ministry, only the first notification issued for the members restored after the Supreme Court decision will be applicable for salary payments.
This clarification removed procedural hurdles that had delayed the disbursement process.
Over Rs110 million for 19 MNAs
Sources in the National Assembly Secretariat confirmed that more than Rs110 million will be paid collectively to the 19 reinstated MNAs as outstanding salaries.
Each member is expected to receive around Rs6 million, covering salary arrears for more than a year.
The Secretariat has started processing payments, and after final approval from the National Assembly speaker, the MNAs are expected to receive their salaries in January, according to sources.
Background of suspension, reinstatement
The Supreme Court had suspended the members on reserved seats on May 13, 2024, creating a prolonged pause in their parliamentary and financial entitlements. On July 2, 2025, the Supreme Court reinstated all the affected members, paving the way for the restoration of their status.
The reinstated MNAs include 16 women and three minority members, highlighting the significance of the decision for representation on reserved seats.
