The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly presented an interim budget of more than Rs. 158.54 billion for the financial year 2026–2027 during the second session of the assembly, held under the chairmanship of Speaker Imran Nadeem.
The session also saw newly elected members Muhammad Naseem and Muhammad Dilpazeer, both from Diamer, take their oaths as members of the assembly.
With the provincial cabinet yet to be formed, the budget was presented by Assembly member Muhammad Ali Akhtar rather than a sitting minister. Alongside the interim budget, a request has been forwarded to the federal government seeking funds amounting to Rs. 258.95 billion.
Key Allocations
According to the budget documents, the largest single allocation is Rs. 15.225 billion for the salaries and allowances of government employees. A further Rs. 15 billion has been set aside for wheat subsidies, against which the government expects to recover Rs. 3 billion from wheat sales.
Other major allocations include:
- 1.3857 billion for essential expenses of other departments
- 880 million for natural disaster response
- 275.7 million for flood victim rehabilitation, to be provided through the Prime Minister’s grant
Local Government and Urban Development
The budget allocates Rs. 92 million to local councils and Rs. 430 million for urban development initiatives. A further Rs. 770 million has been proposed for the purchase of heavy machinery, while the Waste Management Company will receive Rs. 138 million.
Health Sector
The Health Endowment Fund has been allocated Rs. 300 million, with an additional Rs. 100 million earmarked for ambulances. The budget also proposes Rs. 45 million for the purchase of heavy drones.