Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan government on Monday presented a PKR 148 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, outlining key allocations for subsidies, public welfare, and development.
The budget was presented by GB Finance Minister Engineer Muhammad Ismail during a session of the regional assembly chaired by Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate. The budget includes a development outlay of PKR 37 billion and non-development expenditures of PKR 88.19 billion. A deficit of PKR 6 billion has been projected.
A major highlight of the budget is the allocation of PKR 20 billion for wheat subsidies to ensure food security and price stability in the region. Additionally, PKR 4 billion has been earmarked under the Prime Minister’s Programme through the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), supporting infrastructure and community development.
The budget proposes a 10% increase in the salaries of government employees across Gilgit-Baltistan, aimed at providing relief against inflation and improving employee welfare.
Key sectoral allocations include:
Education: PKR 1.47 billion
Health: PKR 1.25 billion, including PKR 620 million for the Health Endowment Fund
Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries: PKR 350 million
Tourism: PKR 90 million
Information Technology: PKR 100 million
To strengthen emergency response services, the special allowance for Rescue 1122 personnel has been proposed to be increased to 100% of their basic pay as of 2017. The police ration allowance is also set to be raised from PKR 1,500 to PKR 2,000 per month.
The budget sets a non-tax revenue target of PKR 7.89 billion for the fiscal year. Officials noted that the proposals are part of a broader effort to promote development, maintain fiscal discipline, and enhance public service delivery in the region.
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