Government Increases Supreme Court Judges' Allowances in Pakistan

In a significant move, the federal government of Pakistan has announced a substantial increase in the allowances for judges of the Supreme Court. This decision, which comes amid rising living costs, particularly in Islamabad, aims to provide better financial support to the judiciary. The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification detailing these changes on Thursday, November 4, 2024.

Previously, the house rent allowance for Supreme Court judges was set at Rs68,000. However, recognizing the surge in housing costs over the years, the government has raised this amount dramatically to Rs350,000. This adjustment reflects the government's acknowledgment of the economic challenges faced by judges in maintaining their residences in the capital city.

In addition to the house rent increase, the superior judicial allowance for judges has also seen a significant rise. The allowance has been elevated from Rs428,040 to an impressive Rs1,061,163. Such increases are not merely numbers; they represent a commitment to ensuring that those who uphold the law are adequately compensated for their vital roles in society.

This recent adjustment follows earlier changes made earlier this week, where the government also raised the salaries of high court judges. The law ministry had previously requested a review of the house rent allowances, highlighting the need for a revision in light of the ongoing economic pressures.

It is worth noting that last year, former Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani had already increased the monthly salaries of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and other Supreme Court judges to Rs1.2 million and Rs1.1 million, respectively. These consistent adjustments indicate a trend towards enhancing the financial well-being of the judiciary.

Furthermore, the notification also mentioned the appointment of former Registrar of the Supreme Court, Jazeela Aslam, as the Senior Director of Administration at the Federal Judicial Academy. She will continue to serve in her current pay scale for the remainder of her deputation to the Supreme Court, under the usual terms and conditions.

The government's decision to raise the allowances and salaries of Supreme Court judges is a crucial step towards ensuring that the judiciary remains a respected and well-supported institution. As the cost of living continues to rise, such measures are essential in maintaining the integrity and independence of the judicial system. By providing adequate financial resources, the government not only supports the judges but also reinforces the importance of a robust legal framework in Pakistan.