The Pakistan government is set to increase its defence spending by 18% to over Rs 2.5 trillion in the upcoming budget amid rising tensions with India over Pahalgam terror attack, the Express Tribune reported.
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The government is slated to present the 2025-26 budget in the first week of next month, ahead of the new fiscal year commencing on July 1. Meanwhile, tensions between the two nations have escalated following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
"However, there was a consensus between the PML-N and the PPP to increase the defense budget due to the recent wave of tensions with India, said the sources. They said that the PPP backed the proposal to increase the defense budget by 18% to over Rs2.5 trillion in the light of the prevailing security threats," the Pakistani news website said.
Meanwhile, Pakistani troops on Monday night violated the ceasefire for the 12th consecutive time attracting proportionate response from Indian Army. "During the night of May 5-6, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately," said a defence spokesperson in Jammu.