Pakistan to raise defence budget by Rs159bn in FY2025-26

Pakistan is set to increase its defence budget by Rs159 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26, raising the total allocation to Rs2,281 billion, according to a report by local media outlet.

The proposed increase represents a 7.49% rise from the Rs2,122 billion allocated in the current fiscal year (2024–25).

Official sources confirmed the upward revision, which continues the trend of rising defence spending in recent years. In the previous fiscal year (2023–24), the defence budget stood at Rs1,858.8 billion. It was raised by Rs263.2 billion in FY2024–25 — a 14.16% year-on-year increase.

The consistent growth in defence expenditure highlights the government’s ongoing emphasis on military readiness and national security amid evolving regional and internal security dynamics.

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Further breakdowns regarding specific allocations for the armed forces, equipment procurement, and strategic projects are expected during the formal budget presentation scheduled later this year.