Islamabad: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, led by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, convened at the Finance Division to discuss several key financial proposals, including the approval of Rs. 6.6 billion for the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit set to be hosted by Pakistan in September 2027.

According to Press Information Department, the ECC reviewed a request from the Cabinet Division for a supplementary grant of Rs. 12.6 billion for the acquisition of bullet-proof vehicles intended for the transportation of Heads of State during the summit. After extensive discussions, the ECC approved a reduced amount of Rs. 6.6 billion for 30 vehicles and instructed the Cabinet Division to conduct a comprehensive need analysis for any additional requirements.

The ECC also examined a proposal from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research regarding the Minimum Indicative Prices of tobacco and revision of cess rates for the fiscal year 2026-27. The proposal was deferred, and the Ministry was asked to resubmit it with a robust analysis. Additionally, the ECC approved recommendations from the Ministry concerning the export of donkey meat and hides from the Gwadar Free Zone, ensuring necessary safeguards.

Further, the continuation of gas supply to FatimaFert and Agritech until the end of September 2026 was approved, as proposed by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research. The ECC also sanctioned Rs. 5 billion as seed money for the Daanish Schools Authority Fund, under an endowment framework, as proposed by the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training. The Ministry was given a deadline of September 30, 2026, to report substantial progress on the Pakistan Skills Impact Bond.

The meeting saw participation from key federal ministers and senior officials from various ministries and regulatory authorities.