Gilgit-Baltistan's government has presented a Rs20.478 billion interim budget for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, while pressing the federal government for a full-year allocation of Rs258.95 billion to tackle the region's steep development and infrastructure challenges. The three-month spending plan was tabled in the GB Assembly on Monday by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Mohammad Ali Akhtar. Main Developments The interim budget allocates Rs88 billion for non-development expenditures and targets Rs6.98 billion in non-tax revenue. Salaries and allowances receive Rs15.22 billion, while essential administrative and operational costs get Rs1.38 billion. A wheat subsidy programme is set aside Rs15 billion, with an estimated Rs3 billion expected from wheat sales. Disaster recovery and public services feature prominently: Rs275.8 million under the Prime Minister's grant for flood-affected rehabilitation, Rs880 million for disaster management and emergency response, Rs770 million for heavy machinery procurement, and Rs450 million for heavy drones. Other allocations include Rs300 million to strengthen the Health Endowment Fund, Rs100 million for ambulances, Rs430 million for urban development, Rs292 million for local councils and municipal committees, and Rs138 million for the Waste Management Company. Read also: Why Pakistan's e-bike push faces a battery safety crisis Background The GB government presented the interim budget to ensure continuity of operations until the full annual budget for 2026-27 is unveiled. Federal allocations for the current fiscal year stand at Rs158.54 billion, which Akhtar described as insufficient. The region's unique geography—vast mountainous terrain, scattered settlements, harsh climate, and limited communication infrastructure—makes development projects significantly more costly and complex than in other parts of Pakistan. Speaker Imran Nadeem Shigri adjourned the session until Tuesday for debate. Earlier, newly elected members Mohammad Naseem and Mohammad Dilpazeer took oath. Why It Matters Gilgit-Baltistan's financial demands underscore a widening gap between federal allocations and the region's actual needs. Without the requested Rs258.95 billion, critical sectors such as power, health, roads, bridges, water resources, and climate change adaptation risk stagnation. The interim budget highlights how disaster resilience and basic services remain underfunded, directly affecting the lives of a population spread across one of the world's most challenging terrains. What's Next Assembly members are scheduled to debate the interim budget proposals on Tuesday. Akhtar expressed hope for greater federal support, noting that the requested assistance is essential to resolve long-standing issues faced by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The full-year budget presentation will follow, with the region's financial fate hinging on federal response.