Ever since the budget has been announced in the parliament and some news channels have compared the figures of defense spending with that of education budget in a twisted fashion, a good portion of Pakistan's netizens have started to criticize the defence budget. I am writing few lines in order to bring up some valid arguments which I hope will help in rectification of certain misunderstandings.
The size of Defence Budget primarily depends upon two factors,
1: The acuteness of threat environment
2: The economic capacity of state
Pakistan being one of major hot spots of power struggle has to deal with multitude of threats. These threats primarily exists due to arch rivalry with India which has hegemonic intentions and seeks to suppress all its neighbors. Despite of suffering economic decline, India is still expanding its defence budget (currently $65.86 Billion) and is currently among top weapons purchaser in the World.
The security requirements of Pakistan dictates a minimum budget requirement of approximately $20 Billion. However due to poor economic support, Pakistan is restricted to spend below $8 Billion on its defense and has to comprehensively revise its defence planning process to accommodate the security requirements with in figures much lower than requisite benchmark. By keeping economic conditions into account, armed forces voluntarily requested not to increase the defense budget in year 2019-20.
The Military's requirement for Defence Budget in year 2020-21 was $9.08 Billion. However, again, after mutual understanding with GoP, the budget was reduced to mere $7.83 Billion.
The increment in Defence Budget is mere $260 Million instead of initially planned $1250 Million. The reduction will cost several important projects, many of which will either face delays while rest may suffer cancellation. And when ever a project is cancelled, it creates a void in capability which might be exploited by enemy in peace and war alike and can cause damage beyond comprehension.
The criticism on defence budget should be steered towards the debt payments which are consuming roughly 45% of National budget and have ruined the national economic growth. How Pakistan ended up in such debts? It's a matter of separate debate.
For sustainment of regional balance of power, maintaining minimum military capacity (which we are barely doing) is crucial. A major decline in defensive capabilities will collapse the deterrence and will lead to Indo Pak conflict. Henceforth, defence spending, either any idealistic person agrees or not, is crucial for thwarting wars and keeping the state intact so that other institutes can work within a well defined system within frame of National law & order.
Shown below is rough comparison of Indo-Pak net defence budgets in past three years. (pensions excluded)
Via #Tipu7
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