Indian fake media busy spinning on our internal defence budgeting choice: DG ISPR
Don't forget, we were the same forces with same budget on 27 Feb 19, the DG ISPR told India.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday said that Indian fake media is busy spinning on Pakistan’s internal defence budgeting choice.
“Don’t forget, we were the same forces with same budget on 27 Feb 19,” he said in a message posted on Twitter.
The DG ISPR further stated: “We have the capability and capacity to respond. Remember, it’s not budgeting, it’s resolve of force & the nation firmly standing behind its forces.”
Pakistani military on Wednesday announced cuts in the country’s defence budget. Major General Asif Ghafoor, the armed forces spokesperson, said the voluntary cuts in the defence budget for the next financial year will not be at the cost of the country’s security.
“We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats,” he tweeted. “[The] Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures.” Ghafoor said that that the cuts were necessary as money had to be routed to developmental projects in tribal areas and Balochistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the military’s “voluntary cuts” in defence spending, in a tweet late on Tuesday. “I appreciate Pak Mil’s unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY because of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges,” he said. “My govt will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas & Balochistan.”
Pakistan is currently in the grip of an economic crisis. The country’s increasing foreign debt has widened the deficit in its current account. The country’s currency has also been losing its value since 2017. On May 13, Pakistan reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for $6-billion bailout package over five years.
