ECC approves key grants, sectoral policy measures

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved on Friday key technical supplementary grants (TSGs) and sectoral policy measures, the Finance Division said.

As per the details, the ECC, under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved a summary submitted by the Cabinet Division for Rs7.026.3 billion through TSG for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP).

“The allocation will facilitate continuity of development projects, prevent cost escalations, and timely achievement of programme objectives,” the Finance Division said.

Meanwhile, the ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Defence for provision of a TSG amounting to Rs10.15 billion for the Hangor Project of Pakistan Navy under the Revised Armed Forces Development Plan (RAFDP)-2030.

The committee further approved seven summaries submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. These included Rs692.9 million for security arrangements undertaken during the Islamabad Peace Talks, Rs241 million for compensation-related expenditures arising from the suicide bomb blast at Imam Bargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra, Taralai, Islamabad, Rs528 million for operational requirements of the Pakistan Land Ports Authority (PLPA), Rs800 million for procurement of Fast Patrol Boats and associated infrastructure for Pakistan Coast Guards, Rs1.883.7 billion for the “Expansion of Safe City, Islamabad” project, Rs150 million for operational requirements of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and Rs413.9 million for security charges relating to the Reko Diq Project.

The committee appreciated the successful conduct of the Islamabad Peace Talks and commended the efforts of all stakeholders involved.

Also read: Pakistan had its ‘finest hour of modern history’ hosting US-Iran talks, says US envoy

The ECC also considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and approved release of Rs733 million in favour of Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC) to meet salary requirements for June 2026.

The committee further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for provision of Rs183.5 million through TSG in favour of the Special Communication Organization (SCO) for installation of telecom sites and telephone towers in District Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan. The allocation is expected support improved connectivity and mobile coverage in remote areas.

The ECC also approved a TSG of Rs119.9 million submitted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to meet employee-related expenditures arising from revised salaries and allowances of Parliamentary Secretaries during FY 2025-26.

The committee approved two summaries submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Works regarding placement of development funds into the current account of Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL), including Rs8.758.9 billion relating to the Karachi and Hyderabad Urban Infrastructure Development Packages and Rs2.840 billion under SAP for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The ECC further considered three summaries submitted by the Finance Division and approved a TSG of Rs1.3 billion for the PSDP project titled “Modernisation and Up-gradation of Pakistan Mint (Phase-II-A)” and a TSG of Rs4.377 billion in favour of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to support current expenditure requirements and priority initiatives in the region.

The committee also approved the policy for grant of Budget Honorarium and allowed inclusion of the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Office of Accountant General Pakistan Revenues (AGPR) among eligible organisations in recognition of their contributions to the federal budget formulation process.

The ECC also approved the Budget Estimates of IPO-Pakistan for FY 2025-26 submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, comprising regular expenditure of Rs914.7 million and projected revenue receipts of Rs918 million.

It further considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding operational continuity of Engro Vopak Terminal Limited (EVTL) and approved it.

The committee also approved two summaries submitted by the Petroleum Division, including continuation of syndicated running finance facilities for Pakistan State Oil (PSO) with a ceiling of Rs100 billion and the revised framework relating to the Deed of Settlement (DoS) with Cnergyico PK Limited under the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023. The revised framework aims to resolve the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) issue and support refinery upgrade and investment.

In addition to the regular agenda items, the committee approved a TSG of Rs29.9 million, submitted by the Economic Affairs Division, to meet rental payment obligations for residential accommodation of entitled officers and officials. It also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control for provision of a TSG amounting to Rs30 million for extension and upgrade of Jamia Masjid at Parliament House, Islamabad.