The chief military spokesperson has sought to dispel the idea that the defence budget has been increased for the coming fiscal year, claiming that when inflation and currency devaluation are taken into account, defence resources have actually been lowered.
According to the budget paper, defence spending for the fiscal year 2022-23 will be Rs. 1,523 billion, up from Rs. 1,483 billion in the current fiscal.
However, when compared to the pre-revision budget of Rs. 1,370 billion, the anticipated rise in defence spending exceeds 11%.
Observers, on the other hand, claim that, due to soaring inflation, there has been no rise in defence spending in the last three years.
In a TV interview, DG ISPR Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar said that military spending were dependent on “threat perception, obstacles, deployment, and availability of resources,” citing a ritualistic debate over defence budgets after each budget.
He claimed the military has issued instructions for conserving fuel and cutting spending as part of the austerity measures.
Friday would be a “dry day” for the military, which means no official transportation would be used unless it was an emergency.
When asked about Pervez Musharraf, the sick former military ruler, Maj. Gen. Babar stated the military brass believes he should be returned to Pakistan.
General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who has lived in Dubai since 2006, is gravely ill, and his family claims that he will be able to recover.
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