Gilgit-Baltistan unveils Rs218.8 billion FY27 budget with Rs52.65 billion deficit

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Gilgit-Baltistan government has tabled a spending plan of Rs218.845 billion for FY2026-27, which projects a Rs52.65 billion shortfall. The full-year plan arrived after a quarter of the fiscal year had passed, replacing a July interim budget of Rs20.478 billion that covered the first quarter. To meet its liabilities, the province is requesting roughly Rs153.30 billion in special stabilisation support from the federal government, aimed at local bodies, policing, schooling, medical care, tourism, flood recovery, civic services, food distribution and settling dues.

Of the total outlay, Rs43.97 billion goes to development and Rs149.87 billion to non-development spending. Tax collection is pegged at Rs16.98 billion, while the wheat subsidy has been lifted from Rs15 billion to Rs22 billion. Salaries account for Rs63.57 billion, and the minimum wage for staff in government and non-government institutions has been raised from Rs40,000 to Rs44,000.

The Annual Development Programme now stands at Rs23 billion, up from Rs22 billion, and federal Public Sector Development Programme funding has reached Rs20.973 billion, including Rs4 billion linked to the prime minister's initiative. Another 1% of development funds will be channelled into a consolidated climate account, while every department's non-development budget faces a 30% reduction. A proposed Rs4 billion endowment fund for the social sector has also been put forward, alongside Rs1 billion earmarked for social protection.