ISLAMABAD:
The government on Tuesday unveiled the budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, outlining allocations for social protection and governance institutions.
According to official budget documents, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to receive Rs722.48 billion, reflecting the government’s continued emphasis on poverty alleviation.
An additional Rs10.23 billion is proposed for the Poverty Alleviation Division, while Rs14.20 billion has been set aside for Pakistan Baitul Mal.
The Ministry of Interior and its subordinate departments will receive Rs343.89 billion, including Rs21.26 billion for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Rs274.15 billion for the Combined Civil Armed Forces. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is set to get Rs19.12 billion, while Rs1.05 billion has been earmarked for NACTA.
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For the Ministry of Law and Justice, Rs23.42 billion has been proposed. The Supreme Court will receive Rs6.64 billion, and the Islamabad High Court Rs2.17 billion. The Election Commission of Pakistan has been allocated Rs9.86 billion.
Parliamentary institutions are also receiving significant allocations:
• National Assembly: Rs16.29 billion
• Senate: Rs9.05 billion
• MNAs: Rs5.08 billion for salaries and perks
• Parliamentarians’ travel expenses: Rs2.50 billion
• Chairpersons of Standing Committees: Rs1.24 billion
• Speaker and Deputy Speaker: Rs393.4 million
• Leader of the Opposition and staff: Rs83.4 million
• Senators’ salaries and perks: Rs1.0638 billion
• Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate and their staff: Rs189.6 million
• Senate Standing Committees’ Chairpersons: Rs1.44 billion
The Prime Minister’s Office has been allocated Rs896.5 million, marking an increase of Rs1.795 billion from the previous year. The Prime Minister’s Office (Internal) will receive Rs857.7 million, up by Rs1.245 billion.
The Prime Minister’s Office expenditures are listed at Rs303.5 million, while Rs2.5 billion has been set aside for the President’s House, including Rs933.7 million for public office expenses and Rs1.75 billion for personal staff and allowances.
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The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) will receive Rs7.41 billion, while the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Judicial Council are allocated Rs500 million and Rs140 million, respectively.
The Railways Division is proposed to receive Rs70.45 billion, underlining the government’s focus on infrastructure and connectivity.
(With additional reporting by Razia Khan and Amna Ali)
