GB Assembly approves Rs218.8 billion budget
The Rs218.845 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 carries a projected deficit of Rs52.65 billion, according to Express Tribune.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has approved the region's budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with total outlay reported at Rs218.845 billion and a projected deficit of Rs52.65 billion. Radio Pakistan reported the assembly's approval, while the deficit figure was carried by the Express Tribune through the Ua.News aggregator.
Radio Pakistan gave the total as more than Rs218 billion. The Express Tribune, as syndicated by Ua.News, put the precise figure at Rs218.845 billion and said the deficit would be Rs52.65 billion. No sector-wise allocations were given in the reports, and revenue estimates were not immediately available. The reports also did not mention the date of the assembly session at which the budget was passed.
The approved outlay, if the figures are confirmed, would mean planned spending exceeds expected revenue by about 24 percent. Gilgit-Baltistan, which borders China, Afghanistan, and Indian-administered territory, relies on federal transfers and its own limited tax base to finance development and recurrent costs. The annual budget is the main instrument for setting spending priorities across its divisions, including Skardu, Gilgit, Diamer, and Ghanche.
The Skardu Times could not independently verify further details, including which sectors received increases or cuts, the size of the federal grant, or how the deficit will be financed. The finance department of Gilgit-Baltistan had not released a statement at the time of filing. The Express Tribune's original report, as carried by Ua.News, was headlined 'Gilgit-Baltistan presents 218.8 billion rupee budget with deficit.' The full text was not retrievable from the source, so this story is based on the headline and standfirst.
The budget approval allows the Gilgit-Baltistan government to authorise expenditure for the ongoing fiscal year. It also sets the framework for development projects in sectors such as roads, water supply, and tourism, which are key for the region's economy. However, no details of the development outlay were available in the sources seen by Skardu Times. The reports did not say whether opposition members voted against the budget or if amendments were moved. Radio Pakistan and the Express Tribune are the main sources for the figures reported here. Skardu Times will update this story when the full budget documents are released.
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