ECC – (Staff Reporter/News Desk) – The ECC meeting content shows a very busy day at the Finance Division. The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet met today under Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Members went through 17 agenda items from different ministries.
The committee approved a State Bank plan to bring microfinance banks and other non-bank lenders into the government’s risk coverage schemes. These schemes help small businesses and small farmers get loans. The aim is to reach more people who need money.
It also approved a change to the Credit Guarantee Trust Fund deed. With this change, the fund can now help more families get affordable housing loans.
Several grants were cleared. SMEDA will get Rs 2 billion, and the Utility Stores Corporation will get Rs 11.329 billion to finish its closure. The Public Private Partnership Authority will receive Rs 8 billion. PRAL will get Rs 4 billion to support the FBR transformation plan.
The Ministry of Railways will get Rs 10 billion for the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project. The line will help move local coal to power plants and industries.
For local government elections, the committee approved Rs 596.18 million from surrendered funds. It also released Rs 2 billion right away, out of the Rs 17.873 billion the Election Commission asked for to buy non-sensitive materials.
Smaller grants were approved too. The CDA will get Rs 300 million for repairs at the Prime Minister’s Office and staff colony. Rs 150 million is set aside for Pakistan’s role at COP31 in Antalya. The Sports Endowment Fund gets Rs 934.481 million. Rs 1,666.176 million will fund the training of 1,000 agricultural experts in China.
On trade and farming, the committee approved minimum prices and cess rates for the 2026 tobacco crop. It also changed the extra customs duty on tyres to help local makers. Export Development Fund money will now be invested in government securities.
One item was put on hold. The proposal to recover PASSCO’s dues from provincial governments was deferred until more talks are held.
Federal ministers Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Jam Kamal Khan, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also attended.
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