US Tightens Pressure On Pakistan, Demands Accountability For Military And ISI Spending

New Delhi: The US has asked Pakistan to make the budgets of military and intelligence agencies more transparent and bring them under public scrutiny. The US State Department's 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report has raised questions about the lack of adequate parliamentary and civilian oversight over Pakistan's defence and intelligence spending. The report also notes shortcomings in transparency related to the government debt and budget process.

What has America said to Pakistan?

Washington says Pakistan should ensure parliamentary or civilian oversight of its military and intelligence budgets. According to the American report, there is not adequate public scrutiny of expenditure on these items. America has called this an important step towards strengthening financial accountability and transparency.

Why are questions being raised on Pakistan's defence expenditure?

Pakistan has been in the news for a long time regarding its huge military expenditure. Its defence budget has increased in recent years amid tensions with India and regional security challenges. The American report has come at a time when Pakistan is also going through economic pressure and international institutions are keeping an eye on government expenditure.

What is the controversy regarding intelligence budget?

A large part of the expenditure related to Pakistan's intelligence agencies is not publicly disclosed. This is the reason why the American report states the need to bring the intelligence budget also under the ambit of monitoring. The US insists that despite security-related expenses, there should be proper institutional monitoring of their use and allocation.

Does America also object to the information about government debt?

The US report highlights the lack of transparency not only in defence and intelligence spending but also in Pakistan's government liabilities. According to the report, the system of making public information about some financial liabilities of the government is not adequate. America has also emphasised the need to bring out budget related information on time.

Why is this comment important for Pakistan?

This comment from America has come at a time when Pakistan is facing pressure on both economic and security fronts. With the increase in defence expenditure, the government also faces the challenge of maintaining financial discipline. In such a situation, Washington's demand to bring military and intelligence expenditure under public monitoring is being considered an important comment regarding transparency in Pakistan's financial system.

In its report, America has not only reviewed the defence expenditure of Pakistan but has also emphasised strengthening comprehensive financial transparency. It is clear that Washington expects to make Pakistan's information related to the use of public funds, budget process and government liabilities more open and accountable.