PML-N MNA Shamaila Rana has said in a recent interview that she earns Rs520,000 per month. However, she said it is difficult to manage household expenses with this amount.
She said she is currently following a diet, which helps keep her monthly expenses lower. However, she added that her expenses could increase if she followed a regular diet.
She suggested that lawmakers should receive a monthly salary of at least Rs1 million. Rana also said she does not get an official house, vehicle or driver.
Shumaila Rana is a PML-N member of the National Assembly. She was elected on a reserved seat for women in 2024.
Netizens react
Netizens have criticised the statement made by Rana, and many even talked about the minimum wage in Pakistan.
Social media users said that if Rs520,000 does not seem enough to an MNA, just imagine how common people survive in the country.
What is the minimum wage in Pakistan?
The federal minimum wage in Pakistan is Rs37,000 per month in 2026. This is around USD 132 based on an exchange rate of about Rs280 for one US dollar.
The rate applies to unskilled adult workers in the formal sector. It was announced by the federal government in the 2025-26 budget.
For a worker with 26 working days a month, this is about Rs1,423 per day. For an eight-hour workday, it is around PKR 178 per hour.
The minimum wage is covered under the Minimum Wages Ordinance 1961. Each province has a Minimum Wage Board with government, employer and worker representatives.