The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved two major funding summaries totaling over Rs. 7 billion for the Defence Division as part of multiple Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs) cleared during its latest meeting.
The approvals were granted while reviewing several budgetary requests from federal ministries and divisions covering development, infrastructure, digital transformation, education, and governance initiatives.
Rs. 2 Billion Approved for SDGs Programme in Punjab, Rs. 5.08 Billion for Defence Services
In two separate summaries submitted by the Defence Division, the ECC approved Rs. 2 billion for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) in Punjab during the current financial year.
In addition, the committee cleared a Rs. 5.081 billion grant for defence services, earmarked for capacity building, infrastructure upgrades, community engagement programs, and cybersecurity enhancement.
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The ECC directed that the funds be released in phases, and due to the recurring nature of the expenditure, the amount will be merged into the regular defence budget from the next fiscal year.
Funding Approved for Special Education Transport and Autism Centre in Islamabad
The ECC also approved a Rs. 322.87 million Technical Supplementary Grant for the purchase of 15 coasters for the Directorate General of Special Education. These vehicles will facilitate transportation for students enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence in Islamabad, which is being developed to support at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a secure and inclusive learning environment.
IT and Telecom Sector Receives Rs. 4.5 Billion for Digital Infrastructure and Public Services
On summaries submitted by the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, the ECC approved Rs. 800 million for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, designed as a citizen-focused public service delivery hub.
The committee also cleared Rs. 3.7 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for projects aimed at improving digital connectivity, strengthening IT infrastructure, promoting e-governance, and supporting national ICT ecosystem development, with instructions to ensure proper deployment of funds for approved projects.
Rs. 3 Billion Approved for FBR Digital Enforcement Stations
The ECC reviewed a proposal from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for setting up Digital Enforcement Stations along the Indus, Hub, and Balochistan rivers, in line with the Prime Minister’s reform directives issued on September 19, 2024.
Against the total proposed grant of Rs. 10 billion, the ECC approved Rs. 3 billion for the third quarter, while the remaining amount will be considered for release during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.
Committee Formed to Decide Future of APL Petroleum Pipeline
The ECC also examined a summary from the Petroleum Division regarding the future of the Asia Petroleum Limited (APL) Pipeline. A multi-ministry committee was formed, including representatives from the Finance Division, Law and Justice Division, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), and Petroleum Division.
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Operating under the National Task Force on Power Sector Reforms, the committee will finalize recommendations by January 31, covering implementation agreements, guarantee arrangements, fuel ownership, and alternative commercial use of the pipeline.
Rs. 700 Million Approved for Film and Drama Finance Fund
The ECC approved Rs. 700 million for the Film and Drama Finance Fund under the National Film and Broadcasting Policy 2018, following a request of Rs. 1 billion by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The funding aims to strengthen Pakistan’s film and television industry and promote the country’s strategic narrative through high-quality content at national and international levels. The ministry has been instructed to submit six-monthly performance reports with clear KPIs and ensure transparent, competitive allocation of funds through professional producers.
High-Level Federal Ministers Attend ECC Meeting
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Awais Leghari (Power), Ali Pervaiz Malik (Petroleum – virtual), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh (Investment), Jam Kamal Khan (Commerce), and Ahsan Iqbal (Planning and Development), along with SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan, federal secretaries, and senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
