ECC Approves Key Financing, and
sectoral Development Measures, Alongside Technical Supplementary Grants
Islamabad:(Special Representative)According to Global times News Agancy Europe,The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met today at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Committee considered 17 agenda items submitted by various Ministries and Divisions, covering access to finance, development initiatives, infrastructure, institutional reforms and sectoral measures.The ECC approved a summary submitted by the Finance Division regarding a financing framework developed by the State Bank of Pakistan to facilitate the inclusion of Agency Financial Institutions (AFIs) under the Government’s existing Risk Coverage Schemes for Small Enterprises and Small Farmers through wholesale and agency arrangements. The framework aims to broaden access to finance by leveraging the outreach of eligible microfinance and non-banking financial institutions. The Committee also approved a Finance Division summary for an Addendum to the Second Supplemental Trust Deed of the Credit Guarantee Trust Fund (CGTF), expanding its scope to facilitate more effective utilisation of the existing credit guarantee facility to support affordable housing finance.The ECC approved a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) of Rs 2.0 billion for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), on a summary submitted by the Industries and Production Division, to facilitate implementation of SMEDA’s approved Business Plan as per vision of Prime Minister. The Committee further approved a TSG of Rs 11.329 billion, on a summary submitted by the Industries and Production Division, to meet the immediate funding requirements of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) and facilitate completion of its closure process. On a summary submitted by the Privatisation Division, the ECC approved a TSG of Rs 8.0 billion for the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A). The allocation will support the development and implementation of infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships.The ECC also approved a TSG of Rs 10.0 billion for the Ministry of Railways, to provide budgetary cover for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project, facilitating the utilisation of indigenous Thar coal for power generation and other industrial sectors.On a summary submitted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Committee approved a TSG of Rs 596.18 million for the reallocation and revalidation of surrendered funds for Local Government Elections in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Local Government Bye-Elections in Sindh and Balochistan, and delimitation activities in Punjab.The ECC also considered a separate ECP summary regarding the allocation of Rs 17.873 billion for the procurement of non-sensitive materials for Local Government Elections in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ICT and Cantonment Boards across Pakistan. The Committee approved the immediate release of Rs 2.0 billion through a Technical Supplementary Grant.On a summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the ECC approved a TSG of Rs 300 million for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to meet essential repair/maintenance expenditure relating to the Prime Minister’s Office and Prime Minister’s Staff Colony during FY 2026-27.The Committee approved a TSG of Rs 150 million in favour of Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, to meet requirements related to Pakistan’s participation in the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye.The ECC also approved a TSG of Rs 934.481 million for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund Scheme, 2025, in favour the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination. The allocation will support operationalisation of the Fund in accordance with its approved framework and contribute to the development of the national sports ecosystem.On a summary submitted by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the Committee approved a TSG of Rs 1,666.176 million for the Prime Minister’s Initiative for short-term training of 1,000 agricultural professionals in China. The initiative aims to strengthen expertise in agricultural technology, innovation and research. The ECC considered and approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research regarding Minimum Indicative Prices (MIPs) for the 2026 tobacco crop and revision of cess rates for 2026-27.The Committee also considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research regarding adjustment of PASSCO’s outstanding receivables from Provincial Governments through at-source deductions. The matter was deferred, with directions to bring the proposal back after further consultation with the relevant stakeholders.On a summary submitted by the Revenue Division, the ECC approved an amendment to SRO 693(I)/2006 concerning the levy of Additional Customs Duty on import of tyres, being manufactured locally. The measure is aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing .The Committee also approved a TSG of Rs 4.0 billion for Pakistan Revenue Automation (Pvt.) Limited (PRAL), on a summary submitted by the Revenue Division, to support ongoing restructuring and implementation of FBR’s Transformation Plan.The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Commerce regarding investment of Export Development Fund (EDF) resources in Government securities, in accordance with the approved framework, to ensure productive utilisation of the Fund’s resources and sustainable financial management.The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment, Mr Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh; Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr Jam Kamal Khan; Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari; and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with Federal Secretaries and senior officials from the relevant Ministries, Divisions and regulatory authorities.