Desk:Following a decisive setback towards India throughout Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has introduced plans to extend its defence finances for the upcoming fiscal 12 months 2025–26. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that whereas the federal government is attempting to reduce the burden on the general public, enhancing army expenditure is important to guard the nation’s sovereignty.
Iqbal mentioned, “It’s our nationwide responsibility to supply our armed forces with every little thing they should defend the nation sooner or later. It’s now confirmed that our neighbour (India) is harmful — they attacked us beneath the duvet of darkness, however we gave them a befitting response.” He added that the nation should stay ready always to retaliate if attacked once more. The choice comes within the backdrop of heightened tensions with India and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by New Delhi.
Water Safety and Improvement Tasks Prioritized
Talking about Pakistan’s water safety, Iqbal emphasised that the federal government would expedite work on key water infrastructure tasks, together with the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams. “These tasks are being prioritized to safe Pakistan’s water assets,” he mentioned.
Initiatives for Agriculture and Younger Engineers
The minister additional introduced {that a} staff of agricultural engineers had been despatched to China for coaching. Upon their return later this 12 months, they’re anticipated to contribute to what he referred to as “Inexperienced Revolution 2.0” in Pakistan. “We goal to develop our personal seeds and modernize our dairy and livestock sectors,” he added.
Iqbal additionally revealed that the upcoming finances will embody an internship program for engineers. Hundreds of younger engineers throughout the nation will obtain on-the-job coaching to enhance their employability and ability set.
Extreme Cuts in Improvement Funds
Regardless of these bold plans, Iqbal admitted that the federal government has only one trillion Pakistani rupees out there for improvement spending. “Our ministries had requested 3 trillion rupees to finish ongoing tasks, however on account of restricted funds, we’re halting low-priority tasks and specializing in finishing high-priority ones swiftly,” he said.
It’s value noting that earlier this month, Ahsan Iqbal had introduced that the federal finances could be offered on June 2. Nevertheless, Monetary Advisor Khurram Shehzad mentioned on Friday that the finances would now be tabled on June 10, with the Financial Survey to be launched a day prior.