Budget for armed forces should be audited: Imran Khan
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday, Khan said that in order to stop corruption, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should be allowed to operate “freely”.
He questioned the expenditure for maintaining chief minister houses in all four provinces. “We have four CM houses while the people are starving.”
“The people in power should pursue austerity,” said the PTI chairman. “They should restrict their expenses.”
Khan said that corruption in Pakistan has reached its saturation point. “Either corrupt people will survive or Pakistan will. Corruption in Pakistan has reached a point where they cannot co-exist.”
He alleged that corruption in different government-run corporations amounted to billions of rupees. “The deficit in Pakistan Steel Mills has reached more than Rs40 billion in the last four years, while corruption done in Pakistan International Airlines and Pakistan Railways is not hidden, too.”
“The outstanding arrears which are a result of 400,000 illegal connections as noted by the Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) have to be borne by the consumers in the form of tariff hikes,” said Khan.
He said that according to a survey conducted by Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), in the last four years, about 2.8 million air conditioners were bought, while bills for only 185,000 were being paid.
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@truthbetold..... dude u are obviously too high..... taking the defence budget from 18.5% to 65 % means u are actually saying the entire budget is a lie and that the nearly 46% of the budget is marely a cover for the defence budget!!! get real ..... this 18.5% includes everything..... its ppl like u who leave no chance maligning the defence institutions!!!
focus on army - why isnt the health and other budgets being audited - why pick on the army .. this clearly shows tht army and isi supports him ....
@Omer: It's a harmless statement. Doesn't mean a damn thing. How much info do you get from civilian audits? Defense budget details should be public knowledge like other state expenses. Secondly there should be equal accountability for everyone. Politicians have faced death and hardships at various times. Bhutto hanged. Benazir murdered. Nawaz jailed and exiled. Zardari too has had a long innings in jail; so too have Gilani, Javaid Hashmi etc. Yahya Khan lived with full military honours after breaking up the country. Zia made judges kneel down and pass death sentences for imaginary murders. 4000 people died in the Ojheri camp disaster and Junejo lost his goverment for trying to set up an enquiry. Musharaf left with a guard of honour. Generals who rigged elections with secret funds walk free on the streets. That is where Imran keeps his mouth shut!
@anwar: I am really sorry i completely misunderstood. LONG LOVE IMRAN KHAN
@Ch Allah Dad
From 5 seats max to CM in KPK and ministries in punjab and national level, This only proves you know it from the core of your heart that PTI is gaining alot everyday...just wait and watch brother.
@Muhammad: I think you're quite easy to fool.
Vote for Imran Khan. I am confident he will work towards solving the countries dire problems and make it a prosperous country. If he does not win next elections, I think the country will completely destroy itself
@sajjadahmed:
"Rs 545 Billion Allocated for the Pakistan’s Defense Budget, which is 18.41 percent of the Budget or less than 3 percent of GDP is given to Army not 70."
The true figure including all salaries, pensions, interest payment on past defense purchases, new purchases, nuke and missile program and the ISI is over 65% of the budget. As a percentage of TRUE GDP this is around 8 to 12%.
@Gilgiti-No voting right but Proud Pakistani:
"Does anybody have any idea that how much fund we received since this so called war against terror, earth quick in Northern areas and last year water flood in interior sindh and Panjab? this is a top secret?"
The total amount is about $35B
Looks good in that photo, innit!!!
@Meekal Ahmed: dunya ummeed par qaim hai. So far he has delivered what he has promised and I hope he will fulfil this one as well.Needs to be given a chance.
LOOK who is talking IK is talking about army like nawaz is in opposition.
A daring and bold statement by IK. Let us hope the army listens to him. The govt cannot bell the cat and it is only the forces in Punjab (including NS and IK) who can help the govt bell this big fat cat.
If you are really serious about it, my vote is for you and I will convince people around me to vote for you.
I am a PML N supporter and I have to admit, a very gutsy call ! Good work IK, I wish you and PMLN can come to terms !
It is good to put this news clip in context of detail presentation that was made in the press conference. Please watch complete video as it shows PTI thoroughness on financial situation of the country - http://www.insaf.pk/Media/Videos/tabid/62/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11616/PTI-post-budget-press-conference-Asad-Umar-Jahangir-Tareen-Imran-Khan-3rd-June-2012.aspx
I like Imran Khan because he knows where to put the people regardless of their time and affiliation. He believes in merit and I think others should learn from him too. You can't grow from where you are with your family members and personal affiliations.
@Fahd: Nawaz has no courage to do it. Only Imran khan can do it.
@Muhammad: Imran Khan can't fool you as you are already midset fool.
See now he is following footsteps of PML(N).....lol
WoW Sanity for the very first time!
At last Imran Khan and Mian Sahib are on the same page. if one says something, the other repeats it. Therefore its best for the country if both of them join hands and save us from complete destruction. The question remains that who should lead this alliance? In my opinion, Mian Sahib has advantage because of his experience and very close relationship with our friendly countries. Twenty five percent seats at national and provincial levels, four main ministries at federal level and Chief Ministership of K.P. would be a huge jump for PTI. With this winning formula, PTI will gain experience and opportunity to prove as national party. Calling shots alone and expecting miracle is a failed strategy. Even if hidden forces bring PTI to power, the huge burden of millions of problems will crush PTI within days.
No, the budget for the armed forces should only be cut when they aren't doing the jobs that the civilan governement should be doing ! The armed forces put its own money in the rehabilitation of the floods and is performing many duties which are the responsiblity of the civilian government so it is unfair to say that the military budget is soo big !
I wacthed Imran khan's recent documentary ”People and Power” by Al Jazeera on http://topdocumentarystream.com/people-power-imran-khan/. Interesting!
In case you didn't know it your already have an auditor of your budget - it's called your Parliament which has the right to ask questions and approve or disapprove the budget. Whether they have guts enough to bring up the tough issues maybe the real issue.
Imran Khan is our leader and next Prime Minister of Pakistan Inshallah.
Pak army still lost three wars.
IK makes a number of valuable points and for once he is begining to sound less hysterical and more mature. Let us hope this continues.
Now, the REAL question is how do we find SOULTIONS for these long-standing problems. We even KNOW how to solve them but lack the political will even if it is in the self-interest of the politicians to do so.
Will IK be that catalyst and take on the criminals, the tax cheats and those who do not pay their bills. Will he order the lights to be switched off in the palatial homes of the powerful civil and military bureaucracy? Will they give up so easily and go running to the nearest bank to deposit their long unpaid bills which, taken together, run into billions and are strangulating the economy?
I don't think so.
@ dare to speak u need to go to school and learn how to calculate percentages . 2nd who says budget of army or there expenditure is not auditted????
I have never liked IK however with these comments he is gaining my support. Kudos sir!
Very good Imran... Not just army... every govt corporation must be audited by external auditors...
imran khan should mind his own business. whi is he to say army budget should be audited !
cool
How about a Dharna at GHQ to enforce this.
@Zaikam
You are classic case of main na manoon..( I don't believe) .
First good idea by Mr Imran Khan
Good idea for the first time from our own angry middle aged hero, little flawed though due to wording. Budget should be scrutinized and analyzed for every line item for every institution including the Army and independent audit should be there for actual spending, audit of budget does not make any sense. Pakistani Army operates very much like an independent country, this idea of accountability will be the first step towards making it an organization under the Ministry of Defense.
Who will bell the cat!!
@Ali:
The difference is Altaf Hussain has been saying these things from his safety perch in London
Someone tell this man that all army institutions are audited by private firms. For example AWT is audited by KPMG, NLC is audited by KPMG, Askari Bank was formerly audited by PWC and is now being audited by KPMG. These audits even though are not statutory, provide reasonable assurance that the Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the institutions. These audits also highlight weaknesses in the systems and any material discrepancies. Budgets cannot be audited. One can only do a reasonableness test on them i.e. whether the amount allocated is reasonable for the justified expense.
*throw
@Muhammad: He can't fool you because you are already a fool. Anyone who suports any tried and tested corrupt politician is in my opinion a fool. The only politician who hasn't been tried is Mr.Khan. So if you are supporting someone other than him who has already been tried whether its PMLN, PPP etc and has looted the country then quite frankly you have already been fooled.
@Omer: Still waiting for the names of the auditing firms.
@Zaikam. I agree. A lot these people just through figures with out checking them.
@Request i would request you to read my previous comment carefully again
Looking for an answer.
Does anybody have any idea that how much fund we received since this so called war against terror, earth quick in Northern areas and last year water flood in interior sindh and Panjab? this is a top secret?
PTI troll in full action
@Dude:
Dude, where have you seen IK bashing the army? IK made in clear in Pindi jalsa speech that he will not let people malign the army. And now people like you are spreading lies here. Shame on you! Now that IK has criticised army budget, you are saying he is bashing army. Earlier you must have been saying that IK is armys stooge? shame on you.
@anwar: People like you who supports corrupt leaders are responsible for the destruction of Pakistan. Imran Khan please save us from the illiterate leaders.
a large number pf share of our annual budget goes to our armed forces and personally i feel they utilize the funds efficiently . As compared to other institutions they are more organized and by looking at the military development and construction one is can easily conclude that a large sum of money is being put to use adequately but an accountability of the institution is necessary
@ Mr. Muhammad... u r right...how can u fool a fool..
That is the end of Kaptaan's political career ! He dared to speak against the establishment !!
Butt: I don't which 14 billion are you talking about? Pakistan was a much better country progressing with the highest GDP rate in her history in those years of Mush's rule. Corruption was much less, NAB was much more functional, development was fastest we've ever seen, policing was much better. Talk some sense.
@Dare to speak!: Keep your record Straight. 20 Percent of the Budget or less than 3 percent of GDP is given to Army not 70. I am ashamed that Imran Khan is Bashing our Army but he is considering Talks with Taliban and call them Legitimate power.
Pointed rightly by IK, Army's expenditure should not only be audited but also slashed and utilize these funds in health care and education of our nation. I guess people who have been pointing fingers now think twice before ranting him as fauj backed politician.
it is the first time i have heard something sensible from IK that the budget for army should be audited
Imran Khan please continue on as the nation is sick & tired of the ruling elite who blatantly lie and live in an utopian society which is cutoff from everyday life of common Pakistanis. Unfortunately corruption from the top has oozed down, so we need strict cleansing and a change from the present system. Imran Khan, you lead and we are with you.
people like nawaz sharif altaf hussain asif ali zardari have all been in power. They failed to audit the budget for armed forces. pml n was in coalition with ppp for 4 years and yet they still could not do it. Imran khan's talk gains more significance as allegations were thrown at him for being an isi stooge. Kudos to Imran khan i hope he succeeds and implements it
70 % budget consumed by defense, rest of 20 % eaten away the corrupt rulers and only 10% left for poor masses ,what a budget!
Will IK go for on the road for “The budget for the armed forces should be audited.” I think NOT.
had Nawaz said about budget cut of armed forces all the PTI trolls would ve take it as political point scoring.
A CORRECTION>> In my Comment it is not Imran Khan but Altaf Hussain. Altaf Hussain is also vocal like Nawaz Sharif and Aitezaz in the past but these three leaders are not heard at all.
agree with u mr khan............
Nawaz Sharif , Imran Khan and Aitezaz Ahsan has been saying this for years but they dont have Charisma so people give a damn about it. So who is Copying whom should be evident to everybody. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkeKt5953Fs
Proper Independent Accountibility Department and Fair Judiciary System(court case Life- max 5 years) wil create a reamrkable change.the one we Expect every next day for our self ,for our generations.good luck IMRAN KHAN. i hope u collapse the fuedal lord system by implementing land reforms.
An Independent audit should be carry out by the Big-4 external audit firms rather then by army internal audit or some other Gov department.
nobody imagine what had happen during earth queck mission, My GOD? IK you have the right knowledge.
Corruption in Pakistan has become an epidemic that is eating deeper and deeper into the vitality of the country.As Imran Khan has quite rightly said it has reached the saturation point.Money allocated to various sectors of the economy for development is misappropriated to the extent that the economic progress of the country is stifled and scuppered The government corporations are mismanaged and running at a loss becoming white elephants.The cost of living is skyrocketing and the masses are forced to undergo immense hardship while the Ministers and government cronies amassing wealth and leading lavish life styles.This situation has to end and people have to be redeemed.To achieve this objective the corruption has to be stamped out and the funds allocated to the various sectors of the economy need to be spent prudently.
ty imran for standing up and speaking up that openly, we all strongly agree that all budget should be audited, especially to presidency and pm mansions and their subsequent so called royal familes (read new money). Totally behind you in this war against the corrupt and rubbish political elite of Pakistan
@Ali: nice joke man!
@Salman: 'An audit is a confidential exercise'. There is a word called 'leak'.Dear?
India has focused its economic uplift and not the armed forces. India has no more issues of power.... defense etc....with Pakistan. The world has changed now and India is emerging as 3rd largest economy. We need educated,honest, sincere people in our top brass,like Imran Khan,I fully support him.
@Zaikam: ' It should be audited but this not where most of the corruption happens' Guess who overtook control of Pakistan during 2000 and milked away US$14 billion?
@Blithe: Really!!!!!! hahahahaha!! lol Imran copying nawaz, what have u being smoking my friend??
The bad thing is corruption is so ingrained, so deep set, it has become part of every day life. You need a document or anything done..without paying them an amount close to what is being asked..you will not get it..It will be very hard to get rid of this, Its not only the government which is corrupt. It's like everything is run by a mafia.. If the Pakistanis want a better Pakistan, Imran Khan can't do it on his own. It will take every Pakistani to end corruption.
@Omer: Would appreciate if you can name our traitors in the auditing firms.
@Omer: How naive of you! Where did IK suggest that the expenditure details needs to be publicly catalogued? An audit is a confidential exercise, dear.
Kudos to IK for such brilliance!
very late off the mark...
Copying NS as usal...
It should be audited, so that India can get access to our defence spending either through spies in auditing firms or through the audit publication.
quite frankly, i have never been the fan of IK. but definitely these kind of clear policy stance will gain him credibility in the masses. More importantly.............he should stnad to his words if and when he comes to power.
my request for all PTI fans is that they should now stop saying that A, B or C is copying IK. what IK is saying now is being demanded by NS and other political leaders.
Kamaal hai, Altaf Hussain has been saying all these things since the last 20-30 yrs its been falling on deaf ears I think.
Now Pti should be given chance
We cant afford to loose this man. At least he deserves a chance.
The most sense he has spoke these past few years.
As if the budget of all other departments is carried out
IK should immediately be made the head of National Accountability Bureau.
Pakistan is the country where there are unaccountable institutions exists. how long this should continue?
Only IK has the GUTS to speak the truth-he walks the talk!
now those who used to say establishment supports imran khan should once and for all shut up...