The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved multiple Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs), including allocations exceeding Rs. 7 billion for the Defence Division.
During the meeting, the ECC reviewed several financial and policy-related summaries submitted by different ministries and divisions. On two separate summaries from the Defence Division, the Committee approved Rs. 2 billion for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) in Punjab for the current financial year, and Rs. 5.081 billion for defence services covering capacity enhancement, infrastructure development, community engagement, and cybersecurity. The Committee decided that these funds would be released in phases and that, due to their recurring nature, the expenditures would be incorporated into the regular defence budget from the next financial year.
The ECC also approved a Rs. 322.87 million grant for the provision of 15 coasters for the Directorate General of Special Education to facilitate transport for special children enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence, being established in Islamabad. The centre is expected to serve at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing a safe and enabling learning environment.
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On summaries submitted by the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, the Committee approved Rs. 800 million for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad as a citizen-centric public service delivery initiative, along with Rs. 3.7 billion for Public Sector Development Programme projects aimed at strengthening digital connectivity, enhancing IT infrastructure, promoting e-governance, and supporting the national ICT ecosystem.
The ECC further considered a proposal regarding the establishment of Digital Enforcement Stations by the Federal Board of Revenue. Against a proposed allocation of Rs. 10 billion, the Committee approved Rs. 3 billion for the third quarter, with the remaining amount to be considered in the fourth quarter.
A summary from the Petroleum Division on the future of the Asia Petroleum Limited pipeline was also discussed. The ECC constituted a committee comprising representatives from the Petroleum Division, Finance Division, Law and Justice Division, the Special Investment Facilitation Council, and Pakistan State Oil to formulate a way forward by January 31, including negotiations on implementation agreements and decisions on ownership and alternative use of the pipeline.
Towards the end of the meeting, the ECC reviewed a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for funding for its Film and Drama Finance Fund. The Committee approved Rs. 700 million out of the requested Rs. 1 billion, with directions that the Ministry submit six-monthly reports on fund utilization against clearly defined performance indicators to ensure transparency and accountability.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers overseeing power, petroleum, investment, commerce, planning, and industries, along with senior officials and federal secretaries from relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory bodies.
