Islamabad: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has sanctioned approximately 380 billion rupees for various ministries and divisions, focusing on significant infrastructure and defense projects.

According to Radio Pakistan, the ECC convened in Islamabad under the leadership of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The committee approved 275 billion rupees for the development of crucial water infrastructure and the advancement of ongoing projects. An additional 54 billion rupees was allocated for ongoing Defense Services projects, alongside 1.094 billion rupees for the acquisition of a Lineage L-1000 aircraft and 29.139 billion rupees for Project Istaqlal.

The ECC also sanctioned a grant of 3.71 million rupees for the maintenance of helicopters operated by the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) and approved the transfer of 15.625 billion rupees in savings from austerity measures to the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026. Furthermore, one billion rupees was earmarked for the gasification of villages within a five-kilometer radius of gas production fields, aimed at enhancing gas infrastructure and accessibility to natural gas for nearby communities.

In other decisions, the ECC permitted the continuation of gas supply to FatimaFert and Agritech, two SNGPL-based urea manufacturing plants, until December 31, 2026, contingent upon energy availability. The committee also approved exemptions in the Exploration and Production Rules for the extension of 89 petroleum rights, pending the fulfillment of specified conditions.

Additionally, the ECC endorsed a revision in the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme to broaden access to affordable financing and support youth entrepreneurship. The committee also imposed restrictions on importing camera-enabled smart glasses and recommended the development of workplace regulations by provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory to oversee the use of such devices.