Defence is of paramount importance to Pakistan: Dar

Defence is of paramount importance to Pakistan and government will allocate necessary resources to the armed forces in view of the current security situation, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said today.
Dar met Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif to discuss the budgetary requirements of the army for the year 2014-15.
The Finance Minister acknowledged the need to ensure fulfilment of the requirements of the defence in the light of current security situation, a statement released by the Finance Ministry said.
He assured the Army Chief that defence is of paramount importance to the Country and hence necessary resources will be allocated, it added.

Pakistan's 600,000-strong army faces internal security challenges. Though the government is still hoping to contain violence through dialogue with the Taliban militants, it doesn't rule out a military offensive in country's tribal belt.
Media reports said defence budget is likely to be increased by 10 to 15 per cent in the coming fiscal year.

Pakistan had in the current fiscal increased its defence spending by 15 per cent.
The defence budget was jacked up to Rs 627.2 billion for the financial year beginning July 1, 2013 compared to Rs 545. 3 billion allocated in the last fiscal year, showing an increase of Rs 82 billion.

While traditionally Pakistan defence budget is focused on India, internal security challenges have also emerged as one of the main criteria for any increase in the recent past.