Gilgit-Baltistan Budget 2025 Focuses on Salaries, Development, and Subsidies
GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan budget 2025 Finance Minister Muhammad Ismail on Monday presented Gilgit-Baltistan’s Rs148.63 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate shared the budget in the legislative session, emphasizing the region’s priorities in both development and non-development sectors.
Major Allocations: Salaries, Wheat Subsidy, and Development Projects
Out of the total budget, the government allocated Rs88.19 billion to non-development expenditures and Rs37 billion to development. A major portion, Rs80 billion, will come from federal grants, as Gilgit-Baltistan remains exempt from direct taxation.
To address food affordability, Rs20 billion has been set aside for subsidized wheat procurement. The Annual Development Plan (ADP) will receive Rs22 billion, including Rs11 billion for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects.
Public Service and Electoral Support
The budget includes Rs59.60 billion for government salaries, making it the largest expenditure. Additionally, Rs28.29 billion will cover essential services like health, education, electricity, and administrative functions.
In preparation for the November 2025 regional elections, Rs80 million has been allocated. The health endowment fund will also receive Rs50 million, underlining the government’s intent to invest in long-term health initiatives.
Welfare Measures and Revenue Growth
In terms of welfare, the budget allocates Rs13.3 million for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected people. Moreover, Rs45 million will support the benevolent fund and group insurance for public sector employees.
Finance Minister Ismail noted a 45% increase in local revenue collection, stressing the need to boost internal resources due to dependency on federal funding.
Opposition Slams Budget as ‘Anti-Poor’
The budget session turned tense as opposition members, led by Kazim Mesum, boycotted the proceedings. They tore apart copies of the budget speech and raised slogans, calling it “anti-poor” and inadequate in addressing inflation and unemployment.
Conclusion: Budget to Influence Upcoming Elections
Despite opposition backlash, the government views the fiscal plan as a step toward better infrastructure, service delivery, and economic stability. As elections approach, this budget may shape public opinion and Gilgit-Baltistan’s development trajectory in the months ahead.
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