Pakistan Clears PKR 50 Billion Defence Boost as India Warns of Future Provocations

Pakistan's government has approved a PKR 50 billion (approx. Rs 1,576.73 crore) supplementary budget for its armed forces to reinforce international border security, upgrade naval infrastructure, and continue safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The decision was taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) during a meeting held on Tuesday, according to PTI.

Of the approved amount, the ECC allocated PKR 39 billion to the military and nearly PKR 11 billion to the navy. These funds are meant for projects outside Pakistan's regular annual defence budget.

This fresh approval comes in addition to Pakistan's PKR 2,550 billion defence budget for 2025-26, announced in June - a reminder of the country's increasing dependence on supplementary grants to keep critical defence and security operations running. For comparison, India's defence budget for 2025-26 stands at INR 6.81 lakh crore, underscoring a vast capability gap between the two neighbours.

The ECC meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reviewed national security, defence, food security, and petroleum sector proposals. The Finance Ministry noted that the committee approved a summary from the Defence Division seeking the technical supplementary grant of PKR 50 billion for "various approved Defence Services projects." Last fiscal year, the ECC had cleared PKR 45 billion for similar initiatives.

Allocations for Special Security Divisions

The ECC approved PKR 19 billion for the Special Security Division South, a 19% increase over last year. This division handles protection of foreign commercial interests in southern regions, a priority given the security risks around CPEC-related projects.

Another PKR 8 billion was allocated to the Special Security Division North, responsible for securing similar interests in northern areas - the same amount as last year.

Other Internal Security and Defence Allocations

PKR 9.9 billion approved for internal security duty allowance, unchanged from the previous year.

PKR 2 billion allocated for fencing along the Afghanistan and Iran borders to curb smuggling and illegal crossings.

The Pakistan Navy will receive PKR 11 billion for upgrading two naval bases.

The Pakistan Air Force gets PKR 150 million for internal security duty allowance.

In addition, the Interior Ministry secured an extra PKR 841.6 million in supplementary funds to support border control operations, internal security activities, and law-and-order responsibilities handled by federal civil armed forces.

India's Response: Prepared for Any Provocation

Amid Pakistan's increased defence spending, India issued a strong and clear warning. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, said India is fully prepared to counter any future provocation from Pakistan.

Citing Operation Sindoor, he said:

"Operation Sindoor was just a trailer which ended in 88 hours. We are prepared for any circumstances in future. If Pakistan gives a chance, we will teach it how to behave responsibly with a neighbouring nation..."

He emphasised that modern warfare demands readiness for multi-domain and prolonged operations, adding that India will continue to respond firmly to state-sponsored terrorism. He reiterated that "talks and terror can't go together," stressing that India will treat terrorists and their sponsors alike until Pakistan adopts a peaceful approach.

(With inputs from PTI)