Islamabad: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet convened at the Finance Division, led by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The meeting tackled 17 agenda items from various ministries, focusing on finance access, development projects, and institutional reforms.
According to Press Information Department, the ECC endorsed a financing framework proposed by the State Bank of Pakistan to include Agency Financial Institutions in the government’s Risk Coverage Schemes for Small Enterprises and Farmers. This move aims to enhance financial access through microfinance and non-banking financial institutions. Additionally, an addendum to the Credit Guarantee Trust Fund was approved to optimize housing finance support.
The ECC sanctioned a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) of Rs 2 billion for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority to implement its Business Plan. Moreover, a TSG of Rs 11.329 billion was allocated to the Utility Stores Corporation to address urgent financial needs. Another Rs 8 billion was approved for the Public Private Partnership Authority to bolster infrastructure projects.
A TSG of Rs 10 billion was assigned to the Ministry of Railways for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project, facilitating coal use for power and industry. The Election Commission of Pakistan received Rs 596.18 million for local elections and delimitation, along with Rs 2 billion for non-sensitive election materials.
The ECC further granted Rs 300 million for Capital Development Authority’s repairs, Rs 150 million for Pakistan’s participation in COP31 in Türkiye, and Rs 934.481 million for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund. Additional allocations included Rs 1,666.176 million for agricultural training in China and amendments to customs duty on imported tyres to support local manufacturing.
The meeting also discussed minimum prices for the 2026 tobacco crop, adjustments for PASSCO’s receivables, and restructuring support for Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited. Investment of the Export Development Fund in government securities was approved to ensure financial sustainability.
Attendees included notable federal ministers and senior officials from relevant ministries and divisions.