Actually we cannot. Because of the population pressure, subsidies are simply not an option. We have to diversify faster, build more and secure more jobs while doing so. Jobs won't come with subsidies, reservations and vote bank clamouring. This is something most local-level politicians do not understand in our entire region. Though there are new city projects that are happening, the pace is slower than what we need to maintain. Much of this is due to the cautious spending we have to do, as quite a hefty sum of money is still going towards subsidies.
IMO, subsidies & reservations are like cocaine; those who are given these are benefits, will get addicted and would do everything to keep having it.
It is therefore better that Pakistan, due to whatever external pressures, is actually coming out of this cycle. People in your country will be forced to eventually change (it will be a trial by fire of sorts) and move towards getting newer skills and developing on the basis of their capabilities and willingness to work for what they aspire.
Our military budget has a massive, massive non-military expenditure, thanks to the huge manpower that we keep. We need to change the manpower-based approach and focus on more tech upgrades for each soldier. The late Gen. Rawat sir tried to push for manpower reduction, but now that project will most likely be stalled.
Today's forces are about tech and grit more than human waves.