Pakistan is increasing its defense budget by nearly 20%.

Pakistan is increasing its defence budget by nearly 20%.The move comes after recent deadly clashes with India — the worst since their 1999 conflict — which pushed national security back to the top of the agenda.

Islamabad has set aside 2.55 trillion rupees (around $9 billion) for defence in its 2025-26 budget, up from 2.12 trillion rupees last year. That’s despite overall federal spending being cut by 7%.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s during his unveiling of the country's new budget on Tuesday.

Pakistan’s military has long been the most powerful institution, but its image took a hit in recent years over political meddling — including its role in sidelining former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

But the recent standoff with India has shifted public opinion. Many now see the army as a source of strength again. 

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