Pakistan, Aug. 6 -- Despite repeated promises of spending cuts and strict austerity measures, the federal government's operational expenses soared to Rs892 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25. This amount exceeds both the original target and the revised estimate set by the authorities, showing a 14% increase in spending compared to the previous year. The government had originally set a target of Rs839 billion, later revising it to Rs886 billion.

This sharp increase includes routine operational costs of ministries, divisions, and federal departments such as salaries, utilities, and administrative functions. These rising expenses reflect a growing burden on the national budget, even as officials continue to promote narratives of financi...