Islamabad, In a significant move to bolster national food security, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved an increase in the wheat procurement target for the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) from 1.40 to 1.80 million metric tons. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, aimed at escalating PASSCO’s ongoing procurement efforts.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ECC also sanctioned the requisite Cash Credit Limit to facilitate the purchase of the additional wheat quantity. This measure is expected to enhance PASSCO’s capacity to stabilize wheat supply throughout the country.

During the same meeting, the ECC approved the import of 200,000 metric tons of urea fertilizer to meet the upcoming Kharif season’s demands, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Industries and Production. The Ministry has been tasked with continuously monitoring the urea demand-supply situation and advising the ECC on necessary actions promptly.

Additionally, the ECC approved financial measures to support the Power Sector and Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) workers. It allowed the release of budgeted funds totaling 125 billion rupees to address tariff differential subsidies for K-Electric and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region, alleviating liquidity pressures in the power sector. For PSM, the ECC directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to disburse salaries and devise a detailed plan for the asset’s future use.

The committee also sanctioned funds for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to finance a Special Relief Package for daily wage workers at the Chaman Border, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.

Further, the ECC approved several Technical Supplementary Grants, including 4.8 billion rupees for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, 5.8 billion rupees for the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, and 3.2 billion rupees to the Finance Division to clear matured liabilities.