'Not Able to Feed Soldiers': Pakistan Army Feels the Impact of the Crash; Demands More Funds

According to a top military source, rising inflation has hit the Pakistani army, affecting the food supply chain in the soldiers' mess.

Some letters from field commanders have been received at the Quarter Master General (QMG) Office in General Headquarters, Rawalpindi, indicating a reduction in food supply to soldiers in all army messes due to the country's ailing economy.

The QMG has met with the Chief of Logistic Staff (CLS) and the Director General of Military Operations to discuss food supply and logistics issues (DG MO).

The top military commanders – QMG, CLS, and DG MO – also raised concerns about food supply issues with Army Chief General Asim Munir, and briefed him on the country's security situation and ongoing military operations.

According to the source, the army is unable to feed soldiers "two times properly" due to rising inflation and cuts in special funds. "We have already reduced the soldiers' food fund, which General Raheel Sharif doubled and approved during Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014," the source added.

The Pakistani Army and its paramilitary forces are engaged in border operations across the country as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launches new attacks along the Afghan border.

The army is not in a position to "afford more cuts in logistics and supplies," which could put operations on hold. According to DG Military Operations, soldiers require more food and special funds.

Army Chief Munir has directed QMG, CLS, and DG MO to ensure that all army demands, including food supplies and funds from the defence ministry, are met on an urgent basis.

According to the Budget 2022-23, Rs 1.52 trillion (nearly $7.5 billion) has been allocated for defence spending, accounting for 17.5% of total current expenditure and representing an 11.16% increase over the previous fiscal year.

The Pakistani military spends $13,400 per soldier per year on average.

It is worth noting that the Pakistani Army controls a significant portion of its civilian financial projects, ranging from theatres to real estate. The Pakistan Army Generals' military commercial projects are worth nearly $26.5 billion.