National Assembly Approves Rs356.8 Billion Grants for Interior and Narcotics Control Division

Strategic Insights -

The National Assembly has approved five demands for grants totaling Rs356.8 billion to fund expenditures for the financial year ending June 30, 2026. The grants, presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, include funding for the Interior and Narcotics Control Division, Islamabad Capital Territory, Combined Civil Armed Forces, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and development-related expenditures.

The approval comes after all cut motions by opposition lawmakers were rejected during the budget session. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan's efforts in combating narcotics, citing the seizure of drugs worth $12 billion over the past year and the country's hosting of regional conferences with Central Asian states. He also emphasized improvements in immigration and human smuggling through digitalization and biometric verification systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Assembly approved five demands for grants totaling Rs356.8 billion for the Interior and Narcotics Control Division.
  • The approved funding includes Rs26.2 billion for the Interior and Narcotics Control Division, Rs21.2 billion for other expenses of the same division, Rs21.26 billion for the Islamabad Capital Territory, Rs274.15 billion for the Combined Civil Armed Forces, Rs1.06 billion for the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and Rs12.9 billion for development-related expenditures.
  • Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) seized drugs worth $12 billion over the past year.
  • The international community now recognizes Pakistan's efforts in combating narcotics, despite being a transit country bordered by a neighbor that produces 40% of the world's drugs.
  • Pakistan has hosted regional conferences with Central Asian states, leading to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and equipment support for regional partners.
  • Improvements have been made in immigration and human smuggling through digitalization and biometric verification systems.
  • Major improvements have been made through digitalization and biometric verification systems, making it 'impossible to issue fake passports' under current protocols.
  • 285 notorious human smugglers have been arrested, and over 100 FIA officials removed for involvement in illicit activity.
  • Pakistan's passport and immigration systems now comply with global standards.
  • The Islamabad Police has seen a 19% drop in crime in the capital over the past year.
  • The National Police Hospital and new welfare schemes have boosted morale and capacity.

Statistics:

  • Rs356.8 billion approved for the Interior and Narcotics Control Division.
  • $12 billion worth of drugs seized by Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) over the past year.
  • 40% of the world's drugs produced by a neighbor bordering Pakistan.
  • 285 notorious human smugglers arrested.
  • Over 100 FIA officials removed for involvement in illicit activity.
  • 19% drop in crime in Islamabad over the past year.
  • Rs26.2 billion allocated for the Interior and Narcotics Control Division.
  • Rs21.2 billion allocated for other expenses of the same division.
  • Rs21.26 billion allocated for the Islamabad Capital Territory.
  • Rs274.15 billion allocated for the Combined Civil Armed Forces.
  • Rs1.06 billion allocated for the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
  • Rs12.9 billion allocated for development-related expenditures.

Sources:

  • The Express Tribune
  • Dawn Newspaper