Pakistan Sanctions Additional PKR 50 Billion for Enhanced Border and Maritime Security
Pakistan has sanctioned an additional defence budget of PKR 50 billion, approximately ₹1,576.73 crore, aimed at enhancing border security, modernizing naval infrastructure, and bolstering the security of key assets within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The decision came during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which was presided over by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The majority of this budget is allocated to the Pakistan Army and Navy as per the Ministry of Finance:
| Recipient | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Pakistan Army | 39 billion |
| Pakistan Navy | 11 billion (primarily for upgrading two strategic naval bases) |
This additional funding is apart from Pakistan's regular defence budget for 2025–26, which stands at PKR 2,550 billion, indicating extra expenditure for specific projects. Last year, the ECC approved PKR 45 billion in supplementary allocations, suggesting a trend of increasing off-budget military spending.
With the CPEC being a crucial component of Islamabad's economic strategy and a potential target for militant threats, dedicated security units have received increased funding:
| Division | Amount (PKR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Special Security Division South | 19 billion | 19% increase from last year |
| Special Security Division North | 8 billion | |
| Fencing and Surveillance | 2 billion | Along borders with Afghanistan and Iran to curb smuggling and insurgency |
The ECC has also approved funding for internal security and paramilitary support:
| Purpose | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Internal security duty allowance for Army personnel | 9.9 billion |
| For the Pakistan Air Force | 150 million |
| For the Interior Ministry | 841.6 million |
These allocations are described by officials as crucial for maintaining stability amidst economic challenges and ongoing cross-border threats.
The Pakistan Navy's allocation of PKR 11 billion is earmarked for upgrading two significant installations essential for maritime patrols, logistical support, and operations in the Arabian Sea. The enhancements are expected to improve coastal defence readiness, the protection of Gwadar Port, and the integration of advanced surveillance and communication systems under the Pakistan-China naval cooperation.
The announcement of Pakistan's supplementary defence budget coincides with strong statements from India's Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi. He emphasized India's preparedness for multi-domain warfare and warned of a decisive response to any provocation from Pakistan, reiterating that "dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist" in India's policy.
Pakistan's additional defence spending underscores its emphasis on protecting CPEC, managing borders with Iran and Afghanistan, and upgrading maritime infrastructure. Concurrently, India's assertive stance highlights a regional trend of enhancing military capabilities across South Asia.
These developments suggest a continued militarization of the regional security environment, with both nations focusing on deterrence, rapid capability enhancements, and infrastructure modernization amid ongoing strategic tensions.
