The Annual Finance Bill, popularly known as the Union Budget, is basically an official document passed by Parliament that lays out the government’s financial priorities for the coming year. The bill allocates funds to various sectors, including defense. But ironically, every year as soon as the Union Budget is announced, critics and opponents start spreading malicious propaganda against the government and its priorities towards defense.
There has been a malicious and orchestrated movement against the Pakistan Armed Forces and the share of defense spending in the national budget. Misnomers and distortions, usually unfounded, are blatantly spread to create confusion and insinuation. Detractors are using the defense budget to distort facts, create baseless narratives and undermine the credibility and sacrifices of the military. However, it remains important to address such misconceptions and highlight the truth about the defense budget and the invaluable role of the Pakistan Armed Forces and its associated institutions.
Contrary to claims of critics, Pakistan Army-run institutions do not consume a single penny from the national exchequer. These welfare institutions are not only self-sufficient but also contribute significantly to the national economy. In the fiscal year 2022-2023 alone, these military-run enterprises paid around Rs 360 billion in taxes and duties to the national exchequer. Such a huge contribution underlines the role of the military in supporting the economic foundations of the country.
In any case, individuals in the armed forces are the responsibility of the state, just like any other citizen. Their welfare during service, after retirement and after martyrdom remains a function of the state. However, to ensure the welfare of its personnel, including martyrs and their families, the Pakistan Army has instituted its own well-thought-out welfare programs for the lives of military personnel, including martyrs, veterans and their families, which are essentially run within allocated resources, ensuring no burden on the state exchequer. These institutions are managed through a comprehensive system that ensures accountability and transparency. Organizations such as the Fauji Foundation play a vital role in this system, providing essential services and support. These initiatives are funded from the revenues of military-run enterprises and not from the state budget. This arrangement reflects the army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel without imposing any additional financial burden on the state.
The welfare of retired officers, soldiers and families of martyrs is managed through an organized and efficient system. For example, the Fauzi Foundation provides a wide range of services from healthcare to education, ensuring that the sacrifices of military personnel are honoured and their families are well taken care of. This support network is a testament to the Army’s commitment to both serving and retired personnel.
The contributions of Pakistan Army’s Border Working Organizations (FWOs) and National Logistics Corporation (NLC) go beyond defence and welfare. They are actively involved in infrastructure development including construction of roads, logistics depots and other vital projects. Their efforts in agriculture, mineral extraction and other sectors are indicative of their multifaceted role in nation building and remain invaluable. The Army’s sacrifices and service in many areas of national development are invaluable and deserve recognition.
The employment opportunities created by military-run institutions are not limited to military personnel only. A significant number of civilians are employed in these enterprises, contributing to the economy and benefiting from the structured and disciplined environment these institutions provide. The presence of civilians in these organizations underscores the inclusive nature of the military’s economic policy.
Critics often overlook these valuable contributions and instead focus on the defense budget, spreading a false narrative about its impact on the national economy. The reality is that the defense budget is a smaller share of the national budget than is generally realized. In fact, the defense budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 is just 12.5% of the total national budget, a figure that reflects cuts from the previous year. Remember, we are talking about an Army of over 500,000 men, the fifth largest in the world.
The assertion that the defense budget is oversized and overburdened is not only misleading but also ignores the sacrifices and challenges faced by Pakistan’s military. These patriots are operating under severe financial constraints while addressing a range of security threats, both domestic and international. Their efficiency in dealing with diverse threats despite limited resources is highly commendable.
Another point that is often made is the lavish lifestyle and benefits that military personnel are supposed to enjoy. This portrayal is far from the truth. The benefits that military personnel receive do not come from the national treasury. Instead, they are deducted from the soldier’s own modest salary. These benefits are a fair recognition of their service and sacrifice. With proper management of welfare institutions and corruption-free governance, military personnel can receive their fair share during their service and upon retirement.
The families of the martyrs receive support as a way of honouring the ultimate sacrifice they made for the country. These soldiers have given their lives to ensure the security and peace of our country and it is only natural that their families are taken care of. The support provided to the families of the martyrs is a testament of the nation’s gratitude and respect for their sacrifices.
It is important to recognise the vital role played by Pakistan Armed Forces in maintaining the security and stability of the nation. Their dedication and tenacity in the face of numerous challenges are the linchpin of Pakistan’s defence. The contribution of the armed forces is not limited to military missions but extends to economic support, infrastructure development and social welfare. These multifaceted roles highlight that Pakistan Armed Forces is an integral part of the country’s development and stability.
Some of the military’s critics and detractors often do not value the contributions of the military. Ironically, many of these critics benefit from the organisations they denigrate, preferring to live in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) housing, enjoy facilities provided by military-run companies and get medical care at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Pakistan Armed Forces and its affiliated institutions play a vital role in the country’s defence, economic stability and social welfare. Myths surrounding the defence budget are baseless and do not recognise the immense contributions made by the armed forces. Though the armed forces operate under severe financial constraints, they provide essential services and support to their personnel and the nation. The sacrifices and service of Pakistan Armed Forces are invaluable and deserve respect and recognition. As a nation, we must support and celebrate the unwavering dedication and tenacity of our armed forces in defending and serving Pakistan.
