Washington – The U.S. State Department has addressed the recent controversial salary increase for provincial ministers and advisers in Pakistan, which has seen a staggering rise of up to 900%.

During a routine press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded to a journalist’s question about the significant salary hikes for Pakistani officials. The journalist pointed out that just a month ago, during a meeting with Pakistan’s Finance Minister in Washington, he had raised concerns over the appropriateness of such increases in a country grappling with widespread poverty, particularly when Pakistan continues to seek financial assistance and loans.

Miller acknowledged that the issue had been raised, expressing hope that discussions on the matter would take place soon. The journalist, with a hint of sarcasm, pressed for Miller’s personal opinion on the matter, noting that the U.S. had supported Pakistan during challenging times, yet Pakistani officials had decided to increase their salaries by 900%.

In response, Miller stated that the issue of salary increases is an internal matter for the Pakistani government and people, and not one for the U.S. to address. He emphasized that such decisions are for the Pakistani authorities to answer, not the U.S. government.

Miller further stressed that the United States does not offer opinions on the salaries of government employees in other countries, a policy that applies equally to Pakistan.