SPECIAL REPORT
GILGIT: The Finance Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Muhammad Ismail, presented the region’s Rs148.63 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Monday, with a focus on non-development and development expenditures.
Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate delivered the budget in the session. Of the total budget, Rs88.19 billion has been allocated for non-development expenditures, while Rs37 billion will go toward development. The region will receive Rs80 billion in federal grants for the upcoming fiscal year.
A significant Rs20 billion has been set aside for the purchase of subsidized wheat, and the Annual Development Plan will total Rs22 billion, with Rs11 billion allocated to PSDP projects. Additionally, Rs59.60 billion will be spent on salaries for government employees, while Rs28.29 billion will cover service delivery and administrative matters, including health, education, basic facilities, and electricity supply.
Rs80 million has been allocated for regional elections scheduled for November, and Rs50 million will go toward the health endowment fund.
Due to the region’s reliance on federal grants and its exemption from direct taxes, the finance minister stressed the importance of boosting local revenue collection, noting a 45% increase in revenue compared to the previous year.
In terms of welfare, Rs13.3 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters, and Rs45 million will be used for the benevolent fund and group insurance funds for government employees.
The opposition, however, boycotted the session, calling the budget “anti-poor.” Opposition Leader Kazim Mesum and other members protested by tearing budget speech copies and chanting slogans against the government.
Meanwhile as per a report, the travelling through the mesmerizing terrains of Gilgit-Baltistan is always a heartwarming and awe-inspiring experience. Nature has blessed this region with countless bounties, making it home to snow-covered mountains, tall pine forests, diverse flora and fauna, and rich wildlife.
Navigating its zigzagging roads through lush forests and towering peaks, enjoying its cool climate, stunning landscapes, serene lakes, majestic glaciers, and rocky plains leaves a lasting impression on visitors. However, when the first rain touches the dry land of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), it brings both beauty and danger. While the rain breathes life into the valleys, makes rivers surge, and paints the mountainsides green, it also brings the risk of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages.
Each year, more tourists flock to witness GB’s natural beauty. If you’re planning to travel during the rainy months of July and August, it’s essential to stay alert and be well-prepared.
When the ground becomes saturated, mountain slopes weaken, causing rocks and debris to fall onto roads. The Karakoram Highway (KKH)—a vital route connecting Pakistan with China—is especially vulnerable in areas such as Chilas, Raikot Bridge (on the way to Fairy Meadows), and the stretch between Sost and Gulmit.
Although the government implements safety measures, GB’s geographical location—surrounded by the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush ranges—makes it particularly prone to natural hazards like landslides and flooding during the monsoon season.
Heavy rainfall combined with glacial melt can swell major rivers, including the Indus, Gilgit, and Hunza. Roads to scenic valleys like Astore, Skardu, and even Kaghan may be damaged or blocked. In many areas, phone and internet services are disrupted after landslides, making emergency communication difficult. In light of these challenges, the GB government has taken several initiatives for tourist safety, but successful management also requires strong coordination among authorities, local communities, and travelers.
