Ahsan Iqbal confirms defence budget boost amid security concerns

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has said that the defense budget will be increased in view of the country’s current security situation; however, the upcoming budget will also include relief measures for the public.

As per the details, he said this during a meeting with a delegation of engineers, led by Secretary General IEP, Amir Zameer. Issues related to the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 were discussed in the meeting. It may be recalled that the federal government is going to present the budget on June 10.

Ahsan Iqbal said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is satisfied with the government’s economic measures and this time there is no pressure on the budget issues. He said that the delay in the budget was due to the Prime Minister’s foreign visit and Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his speech, Ahsan Iqbal criticized the previous government and said that the poor policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership have isolated the country at the global level. He also said that the excellent performance of the current Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir is being appreciated, but the reaction of the PTI founder to it is negative.

He assured that the government would avoid any move that would affect national harmony. Ahsan Iqbal said that other important water projects including Diamer Bhasha Dam would be completed as soon as possible so that India would not benefit in any way.

He clarified that these projects would be given priority in the budget to counter India’s water policies. Along with this, it was also announced to start a paid internship program for young engineers.

Furthermore, he assured that demands related to the engineering sector would be included in the budget.