Gilgit-Baltistan’s full-year budget for FY2026-27, presented on around 15 September 2026 by Senior Minister for Finance Mohammad Ali Akhtar, raises the wheat subsidy fund from Rs15 billion to Rs22 billion. The increase comes as the federal government released 150,000 metric tonnes of subsidised wheat to the region in August 2026, following Chief Minister Amjad Hussain’s request to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The supply is meant to cover the food needs of around 2 million people in the mountainous region.
Key Facts: Rs22bn Subsidy Fund in FY2026-27 Budget
The wheat subsidy fund has been raised from Rs15 billion to Rs22 billion in the FY2026-27 full budget, according to the Express Tribune (21 September 2026). The budget also expects around Rs3 billion in revenue from wheat sales. Senior Minister for Finance Mohammad Ali Akhtar presented the Rs218.845 billion budget on around 15 September 2026.
150,000 Metric Tonnes Federal Wheat Release — What It Means for Flour Supply
The federal government released 150,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Gilgit-Baltistan with subsidy in August 2026, following Chief Minister Amjad Hussain’s request to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (Samaa TV, August 2026). The supply is meant to cover the food needs of around 2 million people in the mountainous region.
Why GB Depends on Wheat Subsidy
Gilgit-Baltistan has limited arable land and cannot grow enough wheat for its own population, so flour supply and prices depend on subsidised federal wheat (Dawn, June 2025 context). The earlier FY2025-26 allocation was Rs20 billion for subsidised wheat.
Timeline: July PM Assurance → August Wheat Release → September Budget Approval
- 21 July 2026 — PM Shehbaz Sharif assured restoration of GB’s full wheat quota at a meeting with CM Amjad Hussain; the wheat subsidy was the CM’s top agenda item (GTV News)
- August 2026 — federal government released 150,000 metric tonnes of subsidised wheat to GB (Samaa TV)
- Around 15 September 2026 — full FY2026-27 budget presented; wheat subsidy fund raised from Rs15 billion to Rs22 billion (Express Tribune)
Budget FY2026-27 at a Glance
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total budget | Rs218.845 billion |
| Budget deficit | around Rs52.65 billion |
| ADP | raised Rs22bn to Rs23bn |
| Federal PSDP share | raised Rs15bn to Rs20.973bn |
What Is NOT Yet Published
The subsidised issue rate per kg, the exact distribution points, and any registration route for consumers have not been officially published; the GB government portal was not reachable for verification. Do not act on unofficial rate claims; this article will be updated when official numbers appear.
FAQs
Who benefits? — households across Gilgit-Baltistan served by the subsidised flour supply, covering around 2 million people.
How long will the subsidy last? — it is funded through the FY2026-27 budget’s Rs22 billion allocation, subject to federal releases.
Where to get official updates? — official GB government channels; official details will be added to this article when published.
Conclusion
The Rs22 billion wheat subsidy fund and the 150,000-metric-tonne federal wheat release together secure GB’s flour supply for FY2026-27, building on the July PM assurance and the September budget approval.
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Sources: Express Tribune (21 September 2026); Samaa TV (August 2026); GTV News (21 July 2026); Dawn (June 2025).
Related: official Gilgit-Baltistan government website