Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said that 18 percent of country’s total budget is allocated for armed forces while wrong facts and figures are quoted in TV talk shows in this regard. The figure often quoted in the media is around 60-70%, peddled by talk show hosts and journalists known for their anti-armed forces and extreme liberal views.

Speaking at the Shahbaz Airbase during a ceremony on Monday, the army chief said that out of 18 percent Pakistan Army actually recieves only 8 to 9 per cent budget.

This figure, taking into consideration the security situation in Pakistan as well as in its neighbourhood and the ongoing operations and military actions, is the bare minimum required to keep the armed forces functioning as a competent force.

Kayani also said that the army had not yet received Rs 1.5 billion owed to it in account of Coalition Support Fund which has been stopped for some time. Additionally, the Army has provided funds and support to the Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from its own coffers after the local administration’s refusal.

It is understood that the Pakistani military’s welfare foundations run various businesses worth tens of billions of dollars, ranging from street-corner petrol pumps to sprawling industrial plants. The shortfall of funds in army’s undisclosed budget is met by the profit these businesses turn over.

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