ISLAMABAD: Education and skills development have emerged as key priorities in Pakistan’s 2026-27 federal budget, with the government allocating Rs148.3 billion to expand higher education, strengthen school infrastructure and equip young people with the skills needed for a modern, knowledge-based economy.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) received a total of Rs 112 billion, featuring a landmark 16.7 percent increase in its development budget, from Rs 39.4 billion to Rs 46 billion.
This boost will fuel 131 ongoing development schemes across the country, ensuring that Pakistan’s universities are better equipped with modern laboratories, research facilities, and academic infrastructure to compete on the global stage.
Pakistan’s Federal Development Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 82.3 Billion for Education under PSDP 2026-27 — because a knowledge economy starts in the classroom.
📍Higher Education Commission (HEC) — Rs 46.0 Billion
📍Federal Education & Professional Training — Rs 36.3 Billion… pic.twitter.com/zRbb6DEps6— M/o Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) June 13, 2026
“The increased development allocation will strengthen the country’s national research framework and support institutional expansion,” an HEC spokesperson noted, expressing optimism about the government’s vision for higher education.
Pakistan’s federal budget 2026–27, with a total outlay of nearly Rs18.8 trillion, focuses on development, education, technology, and youth empowerment. key allocations include Rs1 trillion for PSDP, Rs46 billion for higher education, and Rs18.1 billion for the Prime Minister’s… pic.twitter.com/GGqI43U8PM
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 12, 2026
In addition, the government has allocated Rs 2.2 billion for six dynamic initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, including the Green Youth Movement, National Innovation Award, Youth Development Centres, Kamyab Jawan Talent Hunt Sports League, National Volunteer Corps, and the establishment of Pakistan’s first PM’s e-Sports Arena and Training Centres, all designed to empower the nation’s largest youth cohort.
While maintaining stability in the recurring grant at Rs 66.4 billion, the government has ensured predictable baseline funding for salaries and core operations, allowing universities to plan with certainty. Officials noted that parallel efforts are underway to help public sector universities diversify their revenue streams and improve financial sustainability.
On the school education front, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has been allocated Rs 36.3 billion for 30 development projects, a clear signal of the government’s resolve to leave no child behind.
The highlight of this allocation is approximately Rs 21.9 billion dedicated to 17 ongoing Daanish School projects across Pakistan, including in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, bringing world-class, free education to underprivileged students in remote regions.
In a major push for youth employability, the government has set aside Rs 5.29 billion for the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Development Programme and Rs 2.61 billion for NAVTTC’s skill development initiatives, directly addressing the skills gap and preparing thousands of young Pakistanis for high-demand careers.
An additional Rs 3 billion has been allocated for the PM’s Pakistan Fund for Education (revised), expanding access for out-of-school children.
The capital city’s educational infrastructure is also receiving a major upgrade, with Rs 200 million each allocated for a new Islamabad Model College for Girls at B-17 Multi-Garden Housing Scheme and for IMCG F-17/2.
In a step for inclusive education, the government has sanctioned Rs 1.249 billion for the ongoing construction of the Centre of Excellence for Autism Children in H-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan’s first dedicated state-of-the-art facility for children on the autism spectrum.
Other notable investments include Rs 241 million for the National Institute of Excellence in Teachers Education, Rs 350 million for strengthening inclusive and responsive education programmes, and Rs 225 million for scholarships to students from Indian-held Kashmir under the Prime Minister’s directive.
Together, these allocations reflect a forward-looking education strategy that balances university research capacity, school infrastructure expansion, youth skills training, and special education, laying a strong foundation for Pakistan’s knowledge-driven future.
