According to a report by The News International, the salaries of Supreme Court judges in Pakistan surpass those of the President, Prime Minister, ministers, federal secretaries, and parliamentarians. The data submitted to the Public Accounts Committee revealed that Chief Justice of Pakistan receives the highest salary, followed by Supreme Court judges, with the President ranking third, and the Prime Minister earning less than ministers and federal secretaries. During a session of the Public Accounts Committee, Chairman Noor Khan informed members about the salaries of top officials. The President of Pakistan earns a monthly salary of PKR 896,550, while the Prime Minister receives PKR 201,574. In contrast, the Chief Justice of Pakistan is granted a salary of PKR 1,527,399, and Supreme Court judges earn PKR 1,470,711. Federal ministers are paid PKR 338,125, while parliamentarians receive PKR 188,000. Comparatively, a grade-22 officer receives PKR 591,475. In response to the salary disparities, the Public Accounts Committee requested detailed information on the perks and privileges received by the President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and other Supreme Court judges.
However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan registrar failed to appear before the PAC for the audit of the top court’s expenditures spanning over 10 years. The committee has summoned the registrar for a meeting on the following Tuesday and warned of issuing his warrants if he does not comply. This absence of accountability was met with anger from committee members. Audit officials raised concerns regarding the Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dam Fund, as a private account was opened alongside the government account, prompting the State Bank of Pakistan to seek clarification. The PAC chairman emphasized that all institutions, including the Supreme Court of Pakistan, should be held accountable, as the National Assembly, the Election Commission of Pakistan, and other organizations are answerable to the committee for their accounts.
The accountant general of Pakistan presented information on the mandatory expenses of the Supreme Court from 2010-11 to 2020-21. Chairman Noor assured that the committee would act within the boundaries of the Constitution. The principal accounting officer of the Supreme Court was summoned due to 83 audit objections, with only 12 being resolved. Furthermore, the PAC wrote to the National Assembly speaker, suggesting consultation with senior lawyers, including Irfan Qadir and Yasin Azad. The committee requested details on dam funds allocated to the top court from 2010 to 2023. In summary, the salaries of Supreme Court judges in Pakistan surpass those of high-ranking officials, prompting discussions on accountability and the need for transparency in the country’s institutions.