G-B budget and overall economy

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has presented a delayed full-year budget worth Rs218.845 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, according to The Express Tribune. The plan carries a deficit of Rs52.65 billion, and the administration is now seeking federal funds to cover its liabilities. Senior Minister Mohammad Ali Akhtar, who is also in charge of finance, tabled the document in the G-B Assembly.

Development spending is set at Rs43.97 billion, while non-development expenditure stands at Rs149.87 billion. Tax revenue is targeted at Rs16.98 billion, and Gilgit-Baltistan has sought about Rs153.30 billion from Islamabad for a stabilisation package. Akhtar also said non-development budgets of all departments will be cut by 30%, with 1% of development funds moved to a climate account.

Allocations for health, education and agriculture were highlighted, including Rs170 million more for drugs and a health endowment fund. Schemes across 10 districts were allotted Rs5.034 billion, and the wheat subsidy allocation climbed from Rs15 billion to Rs22 billion. The article argues that the budget leaves limited room for building the region's own economic base.