Pakistan Defense Budget May Increase Amid Escalating Tensions with India

The Pakistan defense budget is expected to undergo a major revision amid growing security concerns with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Anticipated increases in defense allocations aim to bolster military readiness as Pakistan takes decisive retaliatory measures, including closing its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspending key diplomatic agreements.

Pakistan and India: Military Budget Comparison

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Pakistan defense budget was set at Rs2.122 trillion (approximately $7.59 billion), reflecting a 17.6% rise compared to the previous year. This amount makes up about 11.24% of Pakistan’s total federal budget. In stark contrast, India’s defense budget for the same period stands at Rs6.22 lakh crore (around $75 billion), almost ten times larger than Pakistan’s military allocation. This widening gap in defense spending highlights the strategic pressures faced by Pakistan, especially as regional tensions continue to intensify.

Given the recent developments and India’s heightened military posture, experts believe that the Pakistan defense budget will likely see further increases in the upcoming federal announcements. The aim would be to strengthen military readiness and ensure that Pakistan maintains a credible deterrence posture amid escalating threats.

Global Military Spending on the Rise

Pakistan’s anticipated defense spending surge mirrors a broader global trend. According to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, world military expenditure soared to $2,718 billion in 2024, marking the steepest annual increase since the end of the Cold War. The top five spenders—the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India—accounted for 60% of global military spending, with a combined total of $1,635 billion.

In light of these global developments and regional tensions, Pakistan’s defense strategy is expected to adapt accordingly, with the Pakistan defense budget playing a central role in safeguarding national interests and regional stability.