Pakistan Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Pakistan's military spending was 2.48% in 2025, ranked 36th globally. This represents a 7.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's military spending stood at 2.48% in 2025, a decline of +0.19% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.48% by 2025. Pakistan ranked 36th globally.
Pakistan's military spending has exhibited a significant fluctuation over the past six and a half decades, with the latest figure standing at 2.48% of the country's GDP, placing it at the 36th spot globally. The all-time peak in military spending was recorded in 1986, when it accounted for 6.99% of the GDP, a stark contrast to the current trend. Conversely, the lowest point was reached in 2025, when it stood at 2.48%, the same figure as the latest available data. Comparatively, neighboring countries such as Denmark and Finland have slightly higher military spending rates, with Denmark at 2.53% and Finland at 2.46%. The reduction in military expenditure in Pakistan is likely a result of the country's shift towards economic diversification and development. However, any escalation of regional tensions or a significant security threat could potentially alter this trajectory and lead to an increase in Pakistan's military spending in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.05% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.26% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.48% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.48% | −0.19% | #36 |
| 2024 | 2.67% | −0.21% | #118 |
| 2023 | 2.88% | −0.30% | #123 |
| 2022 | 3.18% | −0.21% | #132 |
| 2021 | 3.39% | −0.10% | #135 |
| 2020 | 3.49% | −0.02% | #135 |
| 2019 | 3.51% | −0.08% | #137 |
| 2018 | 3.59% | +0.22% | #141 |
| 2017 | 3.36% | +0.16% | #136 |
| 2016 | 3.20% | +0.04% | #130 |
| 2015 | 3.16% | +0.07% | #131 |
| 2014 | 3.10% | +0.01% | #130 |
| 2013 | 3.09% | −0.01% | #128 |
| 2012 | 3.10% | +0.18% | #126 |
| 2011 | 2.92% | −0.12% | #119 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's military spending was 2.48% in 2025. Ranked 36th globally. This represents a 7.2% decrease from the previous year.
Pakistan's military spending peaked at 6.99% in 1986.
The lowest military spending in Pakistan was 2.48% in 2025.
Pakistan ranks 36th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's military spending is projected to reach 2.48% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Pakistan in 2025 was 2.48%. This ranks 36th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_military-spending,
title = {Pakistan Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}