ECC defers ECP grant request, approves Rs1bn for scholarships, relief allocations

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday deferred a request by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the release of Rs455 million for local government elections, while approving multiple technical supplementary grants and relief allocations.

The meeting, held at the Finance Division, was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The ECC considered a summary from the ECP seeking a technical supplementary grant of Rs455 million for the conduct of local government elections in Punjab, Islamabad Capital Territory, Sindh and Balochistan during the ongoing fiscal year 2025-26.

However, the committee directed the ECP to re-submit the summary with clearer details regarding the nature of expenditure and proposed utilisation of funds.

On two separate summaries moved by the Interior and Narcotics Division, the ECC approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs100 million for the execution of Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) schemes through the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

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The committee also approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs8.79 million, within the sanctioned budget, for the purchase of spare parts and routine maintenance of a helicopter operated by Frontier Corps Balochistan during the current fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the ECC approved a proposal from the Federal Education and Professional Training Division for a Rs1 billion technical supplementary grant to ensure continuity of existing scholarship programmes and to launch new initiatives, including schemes aimed at addressing the issue of out-of-school children.

In addition, the ECC approved a proposal from the Revenue Division for the allocation of two consignments of relief goods — including tarpaulin tents and winter clothing — confiscated by Pakistan Customs and vested as state property, to the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. The relief items will be utilised by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority for emergency relief operations in calamity-hit areas.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, who joined virtually, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and divisions.