On Monday (June 25, 2024), the Gilgit-Baltistan Government presented a comprehensive budget of Rs1.402 trillion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Finance Minister Engineer Ismail introduced the budget in the provincial assembly, highlighting key allocations aimed at both development and non-development expenditures.
The budget earmarks Rs86.6 billion for non-development expenditures, while Rs34.5 billion is allocated for development projects. The development budget includes Rs20 billion for the annual development programme and Rs13.5 billion for federal government projects.
To provide relief to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, a significant Rs19.07 billion has been set aside for a wheat subsidy. The budget also outlines substantial allocations for various sectors to spur regional growth and improve public services.
The education sector is allocated Rs1.37 billion, and the health sector receives Rs1.52 billion, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving basic services. The agriculture department is allocated Rs597.9 million, and the food department receives Rs998 million. The tourism department is granted Rs260 million, and the mineral resources department is allocated Rs110 million.
Significant investments are also planned for infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The irrigation department is allocated Rs1.728 billion, the forestry and environment department Rs1.524 billion, and the rural development department Rs1.19 billion. The information technology department receives Rs1.316 billion, and the technical education department is granted Rs7.763 billion, underscoring the importance of digital infrastructure and vocational training.
The social welfare department is allocated Rs3.632 billion, the power department Rs2.88 billion, and the communication department Rs5.63 billion. The information department is allocated Rs41.4 million, reflecting the government’s focus on improving communication channels.
Additional allocations include Rs536.8 million for the prison department, Rs192.6 million for the law department, and Rs57.4 million for the excise and taxation department.
To support government employees, the budget announces an ad-hoc relief of 25 percent for grade 1-16 employees and 20 percent for grade 18 and above.
