Pakistan’s Defence Spending Surges Amid Worsening Poverty Crisis

Now more than ever, the economic struggles of Pakistan are becoming apparent. With a significant portion of its population struggling below the poverty line. In the midst of such a widespread economic downfall, the government has seen fit to increase defence spending. This is in direct contrast to the social development budgets, which are being cut under debt and IMF austerity pressures.  

Growing Poverty and Social Woes  

New reports show that as many as 44.7% of the population in Pakistan is living somewhere below the poverty line. Out of this, 16.5% (which converts to around 39.8 million people) are living in extreme poverty earning less than $3 per day. The rate of food inflation, which was 38% in May 2023, along with a wage inflation of 8.5%, has severely aggravated matters and has rendered unimaginable numbers of people unable to purchase the very basics. Youth unemployment is contributing greatly to the issue.

Among young Pakistanis aged 15–29, high unemployment and lack of opportunities have led to severe frustration. The scale of the problem is further indicated by the fact that a high number of such young people have neither education nor employment nor any training (NEET), the exact numbers of which remain unknown.

Prioritized Policy Action for Defence 

The federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 totalled PKR 18.877 trillion, with a sizeable amount earmarked for defence, though specific allotments for 2025-26 are yet to be finalised. If past budgets are anything to go by, defence will reclaim the second highest budget share, after debt servicing. Total defence expenditure, including military pensions, is deemed to be high though numbers for 2025-26 are not finalised yet. Defence expenditure takes up an austere share of the GDP, often estimated to be between 2-3%, highlighting the importance of defence in national policy.

IMF Bailouts and Fiscal Trade-offs

IMF funding in the form of USD 3 billion Stand-By Arrangement in July, 2023, is one of the several financing institutes that Pakistan’s economy is dependent on. Such financing is accompanied by strict austerity regimes which dictate, among others, the curtailing of subsidies on energy and utilities, as well as restrictions on public outlay.

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This has become a binding constraint on social sector investments. In diplomatic fora, India raised concerns regarding the possible misapplication of international assistance, requesting monitoring to ensure that funds are channelled to development instead of military, though there is no direct proof of such diversion.

Development Sectors Facing Challenges

Although defence continues to receive ample funding, other social sectors are witnessing steep declines. Pakistan’s healthcare, education, and environmental protection stand testament to social drop in funding, in contrast to the overall 30% increase in healthcare, education, and environmental funding because of the 2024–25 budget. Pakistan’s healthcare funding is strikingly low compared to other countries in the region and is a contributing factor for a high infant mortality rate and child stunting.

Healthcare, educational and environmental funding is alarmingly low and, coupled with a growing population, is a monumental threat to the already soaring unemployment rate.

Effect of Military On Policy

Pakistan’s military is the centre of controversy owing to its construction and economic control. Military-elite businesses linger with privileges of 7% of the GDP in 2017–18, a time when the general populace faced austerity and ever-aggravating inflation. Opponents like to argue on the other side of the coin by saying this imbalance is what democratic regimes require so they can neglect to serve the populace and continue the stranglehold of poverty and militarization.

Regional Pressures and Security Concerns 

Defence officials argue that the persistent conflict with India, especially concerning Kashmir, alongside a continuing need to be battle-ready, requires Kashmir. China, a significant partner, contributes via defence gear and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), further justifying security expenditure in these times of financial austerity.

Pakistan’s Economic Crossroads

Security or Survival: The Urgent Dilemma of Pakistan

The leaders of every developing nation, Pakistan included, claim that the threats to the nation’s security often require equally significant threats to the nation’s treasury in the form of defence budgets. But the stark and growing realities of poverty, malnutrition, and unemployment often scream for the attention and prioritization of social investments in contrast to the defence budgets.

If the social and economic opportunities are not given a chance through education, and healthcare, the gulf between the struggling and the powerful elite will only get worse. In the case of Pakistan, it is stark and bleak that the battle that matters the most is the battle for survival.

From Poverty Relief to Spiritual Salvation

Examining a layered crisis, the world is a system that is equally complex. Spiritual texts personify the world as Kaal Brahm, in which we are chained by continuous struggle, probably with the most fundamental difficulties such as pain, struggle, and disparity. Real and permanent joy is only found in Satlok, the everlasting place of Supreme God Kabir Sahib, where peace and plenty are genuine and perpetual.

Tatavdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has initiated the Annapurna Campaign in India as of now, a humanitarian initiative that works to alleviate the suffering of the poor and the marginalized. Through this program needy families are provided with food, clothing, shelter, education, and even medical care.

Unlike other charitable programs, this one teaches families to stand on their own feet through education and livelihood training. Once a family member gains independence, the help is stopped, serving its purpose in eliminating permanent help.

This is in the same pattern in which Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj provides a poverty relief solution and guides people spiritually towards salvation. This is the path His mission takes, unlike states that are indebted and out of balance, blending mercy, empowerment, and everlasting peace.

Notably, this campaign can also extend its support to the people of Pakistan, where Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s disciples already live and worship according to the holy scriptures. By coming into the refuge of Bakhabar Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj and receiving Naam Diksha (initiation), one is relieved from economic, mental, and physical sufferings. To connect with this mission and experience true peace, download the Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App today.

FAQs about the Pakistan’s population currently lives below the poverty

Q1. What percentage of Pakistan’s population currently lives below the poverty line?

Ans. Around 44.7% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, with 16.5% (≈39.8 million people) in extreme poverty.

Q2. How much defence spending is estimated for Pakistan in 2025?

Ans. Pakistan’s defence spending for 2025 is estimated at PKR 2.55 trillion (about USD 9 billion).

Q3. What are some key sectors suffering from underfunding due to high defence expenditure and debt servicing?

Ans. Healthcare, education, and environmental protection are critically underfunded compared to defence spending.

Q4. What humanitarian initiative has Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj started to alleviate poverty?

Ans. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has initiated the Annapurna Campaign, which provides food, clothes, shelter, education and medical care to needy families.

Q5. What is the spiritual solution for true and lasting relief from worldly struggles?

Ans. The article suggests that true salvation lies in following Supreme God Kabir Sahib’s path as shown by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, leading to peace and liberation beyond material struggles.