Pakistan Approves $180 Million Supplementary Defense Budget for Border Security and Naval Upgrades

The Pakistani government has authorized a major new defense spending package. A supplementary budget of 50 billion Pakistani rupees was approved this week. The funds are designated for the nation’s armed forces.

This decision was made by the cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee. The move aims to strengthen security at international borders and upgrade key naval installations.

Breakdown of the 50 Billion Rupee Military Allocation

The Finance Ministry confirmed the allocation. According to reports, the military will receive 39 billion rupees. The navy is set to get just under 11 billion rupees.

This technical supplementary grant is for projects outside the regular annual defense budget. It follows a similar 45 billion rupee package approved in the last fiscal year. The funds address specific and urgent security needs.

The spending covers a wide range of initiatives. A significant portion is for security divisions protecting foreign commercial interests. Other funds are for border fencing and internal security allowances.

Strategic Focus on Border Control and CPEC Security

A key focus is securing Pakistan’s porous borders. Two billion rupees were approved for managing fencing along the borders with Afghanistan and Iran. This infrastructure aims to curb smuggling and illegal cross-border movement.

Substantial resources are also directed toward the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Special Security Division South, which protects CPEC projects in southern regions, received a 19% funding increase. Its northern counterpart received a stable allocation.

The naval allocation will fund the upgrade of two key bases. This enhances Pakistan’s maritime capabilities. The air force also received a smaller sum for its internal security duties.

This new financial injection underscores the government’s continued priority on national security and strategic infrastructure, reinforcing its Pakistan supplementary budget commitments beyond the annual defense allocation.

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What is a supplementary budget?

A supplementary budget is an additional allocation of funds approved after the main annual budget has been passed. It addresses unforeseen expenses or urgent priorities that were not fully covered initially.

How much is Pakistan’s total defense budget now?

This 50 billion rupee package is in addition to the 2,550 billion rupee defense budget approved for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The total committed defense spending is therefore significantly higher.

What is the Special Security Division?

The Special Security Division is a military unit responsible for protecting strategic assets. It is divided into North and South divisions, primarily safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other foreign commercial interests.

Why is border fencing a priority?

Pakistan is fencing its borders with Afghanistan and Iran to combat smuggling and the illegal movement of people. The project is a key part of national security strategy to control the borders.

Who approved this supplementary budget?

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved the spending. The ECC is a high-level government body chaired by the Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb.