The Annual Finance Bill commonly known as Federal Budget is essentially an official document passed by the Parliament that lays down Government’s financial priorities for the next year. It apportions funds for different sectors including the defence. Ironically however, as soon as the federal budget is presented each year, detractors and dissidents begin to spread malicious propaganda against Government and its priority towards national defence.

A maliciously coordinated trend is orchestrated against Pakistan Army and share of defence in national budget. Certain misnomers and distortions that usually don’t hold ground are spread blatantly to stir chaos and cause insinuation. Detractors exploit the defence budget to distort facts and create baseless narratives, attempting to undermine the credibility and sacrifices of the Armed Forces. However, it remains crucial to address such misconceptions and highlight the truth about the defence budget and the invaluable role of the Pakistan Army and its affiliated institutions.

Contrary to the claims made by critics, the institutions managed by the Pakistan Army, do not consume a single penny from the national treasury. Not only these welfare institutions are self-sufficient but these also significantly contribute to the national economy. In the fiscal year 2022-2023 alone, these military-operated enterprises paid approximately 360 billion rupees in taxes and duties to the national exchequer. Such a huge contribution underscores the role of the military in supporting the country’s economic framework.

By all means, the individuals belonging to Armed Forces are the responsibility of the state, like other citizens. Their in service, post service and post martyrdom welfare, remains to be a state function. However, to ensure welfare of its personnel particularly the martyrs and their families, Pakistan Army has........

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