Senator Asks Govt to Triple Armed Forces Budget and Double Their Salaries

Senator Faisal Vawda on Wednesday proposed a threefold increase in Pakistan’s defense budget and called for doubling the salaries of all armed forces personnel. Speaking during a Senate session, he argued that the country’s development spending should be halted and redirected towards defense needs in light of the prevailing security situation. Vawda also suggested that opposition members be included in diplomatic delegations abroad. Addressing the same session, Senator Irfan Siddiqui denounced violent activities targeting children and public infrastructure, saying these acts were not part of any legitimate struggle for rights. Former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the involvement of Indian proxies and said such actions must stop, and India should take a lesson from Pakistan’s retaliatory measures. Senator Sherry Rehman maintained that her party supports dialogue where possible, but firmly stated that those responsible for killing innocent children could not be considered political actors.