The federal government has proposed a development budget of Rs77 billion for the education sector in FY2026-27, with the majority of funds directed toward existing projects rather than new initiatives. The allocation covers higher education and federal education programmes, reflecting a strategy focused on completing ongoing schemes while maintaining investment in key educational priorities across the country.
According to budget proposals, Rs41.19 billion has been allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), while Rs36 billion has been earmarked for projects under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. However, the development plan includes only five new projects, indicating limited expansion in the education sector during the upcoming financial year.
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The new projects comprise three initiatives under HEC and two under the Ministry of Education. A symbolic allocation of Rs300 million has been reserved for HEC’s fresh projects, including a university in Upper Chitral and transport facilities for Nusrat Bhutto University in Sukkur. Consequently, most higher education funding will continue supporting previously approved schemes rather than launching large-scale new programmes.
HEC is expected to spend more than Rs41 billion on 135 ongoing projects, highlighting the government’s emphasis on continuity and project completion. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Federal Education has allocated Rs1.2 billion for two new initiatives, including Rs600 million for digital learning programmes and another Rs600 million for the Matriculation Tech project aimed at promoting technical education.
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The budget also outlines significant spending on educational access and skills development. A total of Rs4.60 billion has been allocated for establishing Danish schools in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Sindh. In addition, the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program will receive Rs3.29 billion, while the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund has been allocated Rs3 billion to support students and educational opportunities.
Overall, the proposed education budget demonstrates continued investment in higher education, digital learning, and technical skills development. Nevertheless, the limited number of new projects suggests that expanding educational infrastructure and launching fresh initiatives will remain a secondary priority, with policymakers choosing to concentrate resources on completing existing programmes and improving their effectiveness.