Islamabad, The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), in a significant move aimed at providing relief to the masses during the holy month of Ramadan, has approved the proposed Ramadan Relief Package-2024. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, highlighting the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on the underprivileged segments of society.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the approved package includes subsidies amounting to 7.4928 billion rupees for targeted beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive support during Ramadan.

In addition to the relief package, the ECC made crucial decisions on several economic fronts. These include the approval of “Individual Tariff Rationalization Proposals from Different Sectors for Review of Custom Duties” and the “Permission to Import Wheat and Export Wheat Flour” under the Export Facilitation Scheme 2021. These measures are expected to streamline tariff structures and bolster the agricultural sector, respectively.

The committee also greenlit the “Commissioning of 1263 MW CCPP Punjab Thermal Power (Pvt) Limited, Jhang,” signaling a boost to the country’s power generation capacity. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and meet growing demand.

Furthermore, on the proposal of the Commerce Ministry regarding the “Sharing of Subsidy on Imported Urea at a 50:50 Basis Technical Supplementary Grant,” the ECC approved the release of six billion rupees to clear the arrears of subsidy from the previous financial year. This decision underscores the government’s efforts to support the agricultural sector by ensuring the affordability of essential fertilizers.

The ECC’s directive for Provincial Governments to clear their respective arrears of subsidy on urea further emphasizes the collective responsibility of federal and provincial authorities in addressing economic challenges.

The ECC’s comprehensive economic measures, particularly the Ramadan Relief Package-2024, demonstrate a multifaceted approach to alleviating economic pressures on Pakistanis, enhancing agricultural and energy capacities, and ensuring the well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable populations during the sacred month of Ramadan.