ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is considering an increase in defence spending by 13 per cent to Rs627 billion for the fiscal year 2013-14, DawnNews reported.

Defence allocation for the current fiscal year was Rs545 billion, which makes over 18 per cent of the country’s overall budget.

Summary of the defence budget was tabled before a meeting of the Priorities Committee held at the finance ministry’s office.

After much deliberation, it was decided to up an already staggering defence spending by 13 per cent to Rs627 billion.

According to details, Rs8.8 billion is likely to be allocated for defence division while Rs4 billion is suggested for development budget. For the ongoing expenditure of defence production, Rs580.7 million and for development programmes, Rs2.30 billion is allocated.

It was decided to give out 2.90 billion rupees for the ongoing expenditures of the housing ministry and Rs3.80 billion is suggested for its development projects.

For the expenses of Capital Administration and Development (CAD) ministry, Rs12.80 billion while Rs920 million is allocated towards its development projects.

Sanaullah Khan from Islamabad contributed to reporting of this story