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| India-Pakistan |
| Govt to freeze Defence budget, says Gilani |
| 2008-06-10 |
| The government has decided to freeze allocation of Defence funds in the 2008-09 budget as a measure of Pakistan’s tangible display to seek peace with its neighbours, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Monday. Giving a policy statement in the National Assembly, he said that considering the context of inflation and the rupee-dollar parity, the Defence budget of the country would be reduced in the new fiscal year. Arguably referring to India but without directly naming it, he added: “We hope to see a reciprocal gesture from our neighbour for the sake of peace and prosperity in the region.” Approval: Presently, the Defence budget is presented for approval before the National Assembly as a one-line allocation for all ordnance factories, other defence organisations and the three armed services — the army, navy and air force. “It is not approved separately but in consolidated from. After approval of the budget, the Ministry of Defence apportions allocations of three services and other defence organisations,” he added.. Gilani said that the present government has now decided to present the Defence budget estimates in a format reflecting expenditure estimates under major heads in parliament. “The Ministry of Defence and chief of Army Staff have fully endorsed the revised format of the defence budget estimates,” he informed the House. |
| Posted by:Fred |