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| India-Pakistan |
| Zardari rules out defence budget cut amid reported IMF demand |
| 2008-10-28 |
| Islamabad, Oct 28 (PTI) President Asif Ali Zardari has ruled out any cut in Pakistan's defence budget in the face of a reported demand by the IMF for military spending to be slashed by 30 per cent in order for the country to avail of aid to tide over its economic crisis. "It is neither the subject of the International Monetary Fund nor on its agenda," Zardari said. Reports have suggested that the IMF wants Pakistan's defence budget to be cut by 30 per cent over the next four years if the country avails of emergency aid to tackle a financial crunch. Pakistan is currently in negotiations with the IMF for funding. However, Zardari told The News daily that there would be no cut in the defence budget. Observers believe any pressure from world bodies like the IMF for a cut in Pakistan's defence spending could lead to strains between the powerful military and the civilian government led by Zardari's Pakistan People's Party. Replying to a question about his expectations on funding from foreign sources and countries in this difficult juncture, Zardari said Pakistan is making concerted efforts to stand on its own feet and not go around asking for charity. "I intend to take all help from the family of democratic countries as in the new world there is no country which is dependent on its own, but all of them are inter-dependent," he said, adding that he could cooperate with other countries in seeking strategic support. |
| Posted by:john frum |