Gilgit-Baltistan unveils 3-month interim budget

Finance Adviser to the Chief Minister Muhammad Ali Akhtar told the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly that the interim budget is intended to ensure

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has presented a three-month interim budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, citing ongoing discussions with the federal government over resource allocation and wheat subsidies as the reason for delaying a full-year financial plan.

Finance Adviser to the Chief Minister Muhammad Ali Akhtar told the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly that the interim budget is intended to ensure uninterrupted government operations, maintain essential public services, and guarantee the timely payment of salaries and allowances to public employees during the first quarter of the fiscal year.

According to the budget documents, the region expects total available resources of Rs158.54 billion for FY2026-27, reflecting an increase of more than Rs12 billion compared to the previous fiscal year. The financial plan remains heavily dependent on federal assistance, including a Rs88 billion non-development grant, while Gilgit-Baltistan’s own non-tax revenue is projected at Rs6.08 billion.

The government has sought approval for Rs20.478 billion to cover first-quarter expenditures, with Rs15.225 billion allocated for salaries and employee benefits.

To maintain the supply of subsidized wheat, Rs15 billion has been earmarked for the wheat subsidy programme, while wheat sales are expected to generate Rs3 billion in revenue. Authorities are also seeking additional federal support to meet subsidy requirements.

The interim budget proposes Rs300 million for the Health Endowment Fund to assist underprivileged patients, Rs25 million for tuberculosis control initiatives, and Rs100 million for the purchase of new ambulances.

Additional allocations include Rs138 million for the Gilgit-Baltistan Waste Management Company, Rs202 million for local government institutions to improve sanitation and municipal services, Rs100 million under the new pension policy, Rs200 million for group insurance, and Rs250 million as seed funding for the General Provident Fund.