Source: ET
For many years now, we have been hearing the valid complaint that nearly one-third of the federal budget is taken up by military spending while vital needs like health and education receive only a minuscule amount of money. Now, we find out that the military is swallowing up even more of our money than we ever knew. The government admits that about Rs200 billion per year was given to the military in what was classified as “security-related” funding. The amount was mostly paid through payments made to the government under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) but as the US has become delinquent in releasing these funds, the balance was covered by the government. Eventually, however, the CSF monies came and would have gone into the government’s coffers. That said, once the Americans leave Afghanistan in 2014, the CSF is scheduled to end, so the burden of “security-related” spending could well fall on the Pakistani taxpayer.
Salute to ET. At least voice has been raised. But to me it will also fail. Previously also many times it has been pointed out that to incorporate such an accountability, over all mind set of military has to be changed. After having served for two decades in uniform I can say it crystal clear that officer in khaki does not consider himself a segment of masses of Pakistan. From PMA he is taught to behave like a super human considering all others as menial creature. During in aid of civil power being a captain I used to drag grade 22 officers of civil administration just because of the particular psyche which was inculcated in my mind in PMA. Even after retirement this psyche of military officer prevails in his mind. During 65 years has any one seen trial of any big military officer by any civil government. Even during last 5 years the civil government was bound to get clearance from COAS on all important matters. Main reason for such worst situation can also be attributed to the corrupt civil elite of Pakistan. Unless one himself is not strong in character can never account for others. Turkey is a living example. First civil elite developed good traits and built the trust in the minds of nation. Thereafter made the military accountable for every thing it was doing. So let us first bring good character civil elite to govern the country then suggest such action for accountability of military. If nation fails to do so even in forthcoming elections you have to live with the statusquo and it will be unfortunate for Pakistan.