GB govt presents Rs 219 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27

The Gilgit-Baltistan government on Tuesday presented its annual budget of over Rs 218.845 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27, proposing a 7 percent salary hike for government employees and setting the minimum monthly wage at Rs 44,000.

Finance Minister Muhammad Ali Akhtar presented the budget proposals during a Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly session presided over by Speaker Imran Nadeem.

Out of the total budget volume of Rs 218.845 billion, Rs 149.871 billion has been allocated for non-development expenditure and Rs 43.973 billion for development projects.

The development portfolio consists of Rs 33 billion for the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and foreign exchange component, Rs 16.973 billion for the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and Rs 4 billion for other sectors.

The government proposed a 7 percent raise in salaries, a 15 percent increase in Disparity Reduction Allowance and a 50 percent hike in Conveyance Allowance, applicable from the second quarter.

A total of Rs 63.57 billion has been earmarked for salaries. The monthly minimum wage for workers has been proposed at Rs 44,000. 

An amount of Rs 25 billion has been allocated for wheat, including Rs 22 billion as wheat subsidy and Rs 3 billion for sale proceeds.

The disparity allowance for police personnel will be adjusted to 2017 rates, while Rescue 1122 special allowance will equal 100 percent of the 2022 initial basic pay. Rs 500 million has been earmarked for the families of employees dying in service.

The Health Endowment Fund will receive Rs 1.8 billion, with Rs 100 million set aside for ambulances. Additionally, Rs 500 million each has been proposed for local bodies elections and operationalizing local government offices.

The budget allocates Rs 1.5 billion for procuring hybrid vehicles, Rs 770 million for the Works and Communications Department, and Rs 785.9 million for the Water and Power Department.

Development schemes of up to Rs 150 million will be allocated for elected representatives, while up to Rs 50 million will be provided for members on reserved seats.