In a significant move to address urgent financial requirements across key sectors, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet convened on Tuesday and approved a series of technical supplementary grants (TSGs) amounting to billions of rupees. The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, saw approvals for defence, digital infrastructure, special education, and cultural initiatives, reflecting the government's multi-pronged developmental agenda.
Major Allocations for Defence and Special Education
The committee addressed two critical summaries from the Defence Division. It sanctioned a technical supplementary grant of Rs 2 billion for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) currently underway in Punjab. In a separate but crucial decision for national security, the ECC approved Rs 5.081 billion for defence services. This allocation is earmarked for capacity enhancement, infrastructure development, community engagement, and bolstering cyber security capabilities.
The ECC stipulated that the defence grant would be released in phases. Furthermore, due to the recurring nature of these expenses, the related costs will be integrated into the regular defence budget starting from the next financial year.
Demonstrating a commitment to inclusive welfare, the ECC also approved Rs 322.87 million for the provision of 15 coasters. These vehicles will facilitate transport for special children enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence being established in Islamabad. The centre is designed to provide a safe and enabling learning environment for at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Boosting Digital Pakistan and Public Service Delivery
In line with the vision for a digitized nation, the committee acted on proposals from the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division. It approved Rs 800 million for setting up the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, a flagship initiative aimed at citizen-centric public service delivery.
Another Rs 3.7 billion was approved for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects under the same division. These funds are directed at strengthening digital connectivity, enhancing IT infrastructure, promoting e-governance, and supporting the national ICT ecosystem. The ECC directed that the money be properly deployed on the designated projects.
To combat smuggling and enhance enforcement, the ECC considered a proposal for establishing Digital Enforcement Stations by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) along major rivers. Against a total proposed grant of Rs 10 billion, the committee approved an initial allocation of Rs 3 billion for the third quarter of the financial year, with the remainder to be allocated in the fourth quarter.
Policy Decisions on Pipeline and Film Industry Support
The ECC also deliberated on the future of the Asia Petroleum Limited (APL) Pipeline. It formed a committee comprising representatives from the Petroleum, Finance, and Law Divisions, along with the SIFC and Pakistan State Oil (PSO). This committee, operating under the National Task Force-Implementation of Reforms (Power Division), is tasked with negotiating terms with APL and deciding on fuel ownership and pipeline use. A way forward must be formulated by 31 January.
Towards the end of the session, the ECC supported the country's creative industry by approving Rs 700 million out of a requested Rs 1 billion for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's Film and Drama Finance Fund. This fund, established under the 2018 policy, aims to strengthen Pakistan's film and drama sector and project a positive national narrative. The release is conditional on the ministry submitting six-monthly reports on fund utilization against clear performance indicators, ensuring transparent spending through top-tier professional producers.
The meeting was attended by several key federal ministers, including Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari (Power), Ali Pervaiz Malik (Petroleum), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh (Investment), Jam Kamal Khan (Commerce), and Ahsan Iqbal (Planning), along with senior officials from relevant divisions.
