GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Thursday approved a Rs148.63 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with the majority of votes in favour despite vocal opposition criticism regarding transparency and regional equity.
The budget, presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Ismail, prioritises public sector salaries, subsidies, and ongoing development initiatives. The session was marked by a walkout from opposition lawmakers, who termed the budget “anti-poor” and biased towards constituencies aligned with the ruling coalition.
Key Budgetary Allocations
- Rs88.19 billion allocated for non-development expenditures, including salaries, subsidies, and operational costs.
- Rs37 billion allocated for the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
- Rs11 billion from the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
- Rs4 billion allocated under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.
Public Sector and Social Spending
- A 10% salary increase has been approved for government employees.
- Rs59.6 billion earmarked for salary payments.
- Rs28.29 billion allocated for health, education, energy, and social services.
Additional allocations include:
- Rs20 billion for wheat subsidies to support food security.
- Rs350 million for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
- Rs90 million for tourism sector development.
- Rs100 million for information technology enhancement.
- Rs50 million for the Health Endowment Fund.
- Rs13.3 million for disaster management.
- Rs45 million for employee welfare and insurance schemes.
Revenue Targets and Federal Support
Gilgit-Baltistan has set a domestic revenue target of Rs7.89 billion, reflecting a 45% increase compared to the previous year. The region remains heavily reliant on federal funding, with Islamabad committing Rs80 billion in grants for the coming fiscal cycle.
Government and Opposition Views
Chief Minister Gulbar Khan praised the budget as “people-centric,” stating it focuses on completing ongoing development projects and enhancing service delivery in underserved areas.
Opposition leaders, however, rejected the budget in protest, alleging that it favours political strongholds of the ruling party and lacks equitable distribution of development resources. They tore up copies of the budget and exited the assembly in protest.
Development Outlook
The government plans to continue its focus on infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and welfare schemes, with special attention to rural and mountainous regions. Implementation of the budget will be closely monitored amid calls for enhanced transparency and independent oversight.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.