Defence budget set at Rs920.2bn for FY2017-18

The PML-N government’s total budget outlay for 2017-18, possibly its last year in power, is Rs4.75tr, out of which 19.36pc has been kept aside for defence expenditures.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who presented the budget in Parliament, also announced a 10pc increase in the pay of all armed forced personnel as a ‘special allowance’ in recognition for their sacrifices in the ongoing conflicts across the country.

“I announce today that a 10pc will be given on the pay of all officers and jawans as special allowance. This allowance will be in addition to the increase in pay that will be announced,” Dar said as he presented the Federal Budget 2017-18.

The ‘special allowance’ was topped up with a 10pc ad hoc increase in salaries for government employees and army personnel.

The Frontier Constabulary’s jawans will also be given a fixed allowance of Rs8,000 per month, the government said.

The operating expenses for the armed forces have been allocated Rs 225.5bn, while almost Rs322bn will be sent on salaries and renumeration.

Dar also said during his budget speech said the National Security Committee had recommended that 3pc of the provinces’ Gross Divisible Pool should also be allocated to defence expenditures; however, the provinces have yet to get on board with this proposal.

“Large operations like Zarb-i-Azb require vast sums. This is our national duty against terrorism for which provision of resources is the responsibility of the entire nation,” Dar had urged.

The government will also be launching a new scheme through the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) for the welfare of families of martyrs.

Under this scheme, a guaranteed and enhanced profit will be given as a means of support for martyrs’ families.

Article source: http://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/54479-defence-budget-set-at-rs920-2bn-for-fy2017-18.html