Asim Munir Seeks Emergency Funds For Pakistan Army Amid Multi-Front Conflicts | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 11:44 IST

Pakistan’s military leadership warned that simultaneous operations against militants and heightened border tensions are putting unprecedented strain on security resources

Pakistan’s military is facing mounting financial pressure as it battles security threats on multiple fronts, prompting Army chief Asim Munir to seek urgent additional funding from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to senior government sources.

The request was made during a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders on Monday (March 9) at the Prime Minister’s Office, shortly after an austerity review session, officials familiar with the discussions told CNN-News18.

Military Briefing To The Prime Minister

During the meeting, Munir reportedly briefed Sharif on ongoing military operations and security challenges facing the country, including escalating clashes along the Line of Control, tensions on the Durand Line, and counter-insurgency operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan’s military leadership warned that simultaneous operations against militants and heightened border tensions are putting unprecedented strain on security resources.

According to sources, Munir requested additional defence and operational funds on an urgent basis, arguing that the scale of ongoing operations requires immediate financial support. Sharif reportedly assured the army chief that the government would arrange further funding.

Rising Costs Of Counter-Terror Operations

The financial strain is partly linked to the expansion of counter-terrorism campaigns, including Operation Azm‑e‑Istehkam and a newly launched campaign known as Operation Ghazab‑Lil‑Haq targeting militants linked to the Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan.

Security operations in north-western Pakistan and the rugged tribal belt have intensified in recent months, with Pakistani forces conducting airstrikes and cross-border actions against militant bases.

The government recently approved an initial Rs 60 billion allocation to support “kinetic operations" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. However, officials say costs are rising rapidly as the Pakistan Air Force continues aerial operations targeting militant positions.

Defence Spending Already Rising

Pakistan had already increased its defence spending by about 20 per cent for the 2025–26 fiscal year, setting the military budget at Rs 2.55 trillion (around $9 billion).

Despite the increase, the government has had to release additional emergency funds through supplementary grants to sustain military operations, strengthen border defences, and secure key infrastructure projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Defence ministry sources said that over the past 16 months, the government has released around Rs 135 billion in additional funding for military operations and security upgrades.

These include:

Rs 60 billion for operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan

Rs 55 billion for border defence infrastructure, air bases and naval upgrades damaged during earlier operations

Economic Strain Amid Security Challenges

Analysts say the rising security expenditure is putting pressure on Pakistan’s already fragile economy. The country has struggled with high inflation, debt repayments and a persistent fiscal deficit, making large defence allocations increasingly difficult to sustain.

Officials warn that maintaining active counter-terror operations, managing volatile borders with India and Afghanistan, and protecting strategic assets could continue to push military spending higher in the coming months.

News world Asim Munir Seeks Emergency Funds For Pakistan Army Amid Multi-Front Conflicts | Exclusive

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