Federal Budget 2026-27 Limits New Education Schemes
The Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 allocates Rs77 billion for the education sector, focusing predominantly on ongoing projects with limited introduction of new initiatives. The budget places a clear emphasis on sustaining development through existing programs under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), introducing only a handful of new projects.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is allocated Rs41.19 billion, which is an increase of Rs1.71 billion from the previous year. Most of this funding will support 135 ongoing projects related to infrastructure improvement, research advancement, and academic expansion. Additionally, the HEC will receive Rs300 million for three new projects, although the bulk of the funds remain directed toward established initiatives.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training has been granted Rs36 billion, with almost Rs34.80 billion earmarked for 31 ongoing projects across various provinces and regions, including specialized educational programs and infrastructure development. Among these, Rs4.60 billion has been allocated for Danish Schools located in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, and Sindh, reflecting continued government support for these institutions.
Skill development remains a priority, with the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme receiving Rs3.29 billion. In addition, the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund has been assigned Rs3 billion to provide scholarships and financial aid to students. Another Rs2.61 billion is reserved specifically for vocational training and skill enhancement programs to prepare a workforce aligned with the country’s economic needs.
In terms of new initiatives, the Ministry of Education has proposed two projects: a Digital Learning program and the rollout of Metric Tech, each allocated Rs600 million. These projects are intended to modernize and digitize education delivery during 2026-27.
The approach reflected in this budget underlines a strategy focused on strengthening and continuing present educational schemes and infrastructure, with limited but targeted investments in new areas aimed at digital transformation and skill development. This suggests a cautious but committed investment pattern in Pakistan’s education sector for the upcoming fiscal year.