Defence budget increase to Rs1100bn normal in view of challenges

ISLAMABAD: Increase in defence budget is being misconstrued by certain quarters, whereas the fact is that defence budget for the year 2017-18 as estimated by Ministry of Finance is likely to close at Rs. 998 billion.

Defence budget for the year 2018-19 stands at 1100 billion which is 10.2 per cent increase to the closing year, says a press release issued by Defence Ministry here on Monday.

The routine yearly increase ranges between 10-12 per cent which caters for inflation, depreciation, rise in pay etc.

The critics need to also realise the security environment that Pakistan faces today and economic determinants of security. Economy of any country cannot grow without security, peace and stability.

This year increase in Defence budget is also considered a normal increase, keeping in view all internal and external challenges posed to Pakistan.