House Rent Allowance (HRA) 45% vs 30% in Pakistan: Specified Big Cities List & Hiring Rules for BPS 1-22
Published on Asli Pakistan (aslipakistan.com) • 29 October 2026
Overview & Regulatory Framework
House Rent Allowance (HRA) is a crucial component of the salary package for civil servants in Pakistan. Administered by the Finance Division, the rates are determined based on the employee's BPS and the station of posting. The government classifies certain major cities as 'specified' due to higher living costs, granting employees in these stations a higher HRA rate (45%) compared to the general rate (30%) applicable to other districts.
Official Rate Slabs / Schedule
| Category | Specified Stations (45% of Min. Basic Pay) | General Stations (30% of Min. Basic Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| BPS 1-5 | Applicable | Applicable |
| BPS 6-16 | Applicable | Applicable |
| BPS 17-22 | Applicable | Applicable |
Eligibility Criteria & Qualifying Conditions
- The allowance is admissible to all regular government employees.
- Employees provided with government accommodation (official residence) are not entitled to draw HRA.
- For employees residing in private rented houses, the claim must be supported by the 'House Rent Certificate' issued by the DDO.
- In case of husband and wife both being government servants, both can draw HRA if residing in a private house.
Step-by-Step Claim or Application Process
- Submit the official House Rent Certificate to your Drawing & Disbursing Officer (DDO).
- Ensure your posting station is correctly reflected in your service record (e-Record).
- If transferred to a specified city, attach the transfer notification to your pay fixation application.
- Verify your monthly pay slip for the updated allowance using Asli Pakistan's Salary Calculator.
Required Documents & Attestation Checklist
- Duly signed House Rent Certificate (Form-A).
- Copy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
- Last Pay Slip/Salary Statement.
- Official Transfer/Posting Order (if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the 'Specified' cities for 45% HRA?
The specified cities generally include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad, and Gujranwala.
Can I claim HRA if I live in my own house?
Yes, government employees are entitled to draw House Rent Allowance even if they reside in their own house; it is a fixed benefit based on your BPS and station.
What happens if I move to a non-specified city?
Your allowance will be adjusted to the 30% slab effective from the date of your reporting at the new station.
Calculate Your Take-Home Salary & Allowances
See your revised salary breakdown with House Rent (HRA 45%/30%), Medical, and Conveyance allowances for BPS grades 1 to 22.