Gilgit: The Gilgit Baltistan Budget 2025-26 was presented in the GB Assembly on Monday by Provincial Finance Minister Engineer Muhammad Ismail. The total volume of the budget stands at Rs 1.48 trillion (Rs 1,486.32 billion), including a projected deficit of Rs 6 billion.
In the Gilgit Baltistan Budget 2025-26, Rs 881.92 billion has been proposed for non-development expenditures, while Rs 370 billion is earmarked for development projects across the region.
The federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will contribute Rs 4 billion under the Prime Minister’s Programme. The government has also set a non-tax revenue target of Rs 78.92 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.
A major highlight of the Gilgit Baltistan Budget 2025-26 is the allocation of Rs 200 billion for wheat subsidies to ensure food security for the region. Additionally, a 10% increase in salaries of government employees has been proposed to address inflation concerns.
The education sector is proposed to receive Rs 14.7 billion, while Rs 12.5 billion has been set aside for the health sector. Of this, Rs 6.2 billion will go to the Health Endowment Fund.
For agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, the budget proposes Rs 3.5 billion, while tourism and information technology are to receive Rs 900 million and Rs 1 billion respectively.
The Gilgit Baltistan Budget 2025-26 session was marked by political protests. Opposition lawmakers staged a walkout and boycotted the proceedings before the budget was tabled.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 personnel staged a protest outside the assembly, demanding restoration of their special allowance. The budget includes a proposal to restore their basic salary-based special allowance to 100% of the 2017 level. Additionally, the police ration allowance is proposed to be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.
The Gilgit Baltistan Budget 2025-26 aims to balance development with social protection, despite fiscal challenges and limited revenue streams.
