In Pakistan, common people are facing difficulties in meeting their daily needs. Poor people are also having difficulty in raising bread for two times. Lack of schools, the poor condition of hospitals, power cuts and deteriorating transport systems have worsened the situation. On the other hand, the Pakistani army is constantly buying expensive weapons. Recently, Hanger -class submarines from China were welcomed in Islamabad. A report states that the Pakistani army is increasing its strength by exploiting common people. The army led by Asim Munir is grabbing the money fixed for the poor.
Money for military properties such as submarines and the irregularities in the Benazir aid program (BISP) reflect what is the status on Pakistan’s soil. BISP is a cash transfer program. Its purpose is to send direct money to the accounts of poor Pakistani citizens. An audit recently found that there have been huge irregularities in providing funds for this scheme. That is, the army and government officials have grabbed the money fixed for the poor.
Poor money in the accounts of the rich
A Pakistani committee in its report found that money was sent to senior government officials, pensioners and their relatives through BISP. This is causing problems among poor people. This program transfer is a lifeline for a large population of Pakistan. This helps millions to deal with inflation and food insecurity. The audit has found evidence that despite the comprehensive economic crisis, the Government of Pakistan is giving priority to the purchase of advanced weapons rather than helping the people in resource allocation. Pakistan is currently running the purchase of eight hanger-tears of submarines from China. The deal is estimated to be $ 4-5 billion.
Pak defense budget
The Government of Pakistan has allocated 2.12 trillion Pakistani rupees ($ 7.6 billion) for defense in the budget of the financial year 2024-25. This is 16% higher than last year. In addition to submarines, the country is investing in JF-17 Block III fighter jets and nuclear systems. Pakistan has the fifth largest nuclear arsenal in the world. On the other hand, 36% of the country’s families are facing food insecurity. Sociologists say that food safety and regular cash transfer domesticly create a stable basis. This reduces the risk of social unrest and political instability. Despite this, instead of economic stability and food security, Pakistan is considering expensive military equipment more important for the country.
