Islamabad — The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved several technical supplementary grants to support digital enforcement, defence, education and information technology initiatives across the country.
According to official sources, the ECC approved funding for the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) plan to establish Digital Enforcement Stations along the Indus, Hub and Balochistan rivers. The project follows a decision taken by the Prime Minister on September 19, 2024. Out of the proposed Rs10 billion allocation, Rs3 billion was approved for release in the third quarter, while the remaining amount will be provided in the fourth quarter.
The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, was held at the Finance Division. The committee reviewed multiple summaries from various ministries seeking supplementary grants and decisions on policy and administrative matters.
On proposals from the Defence Division, the ECC approved a Rs2 billion grant for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme in Punjab for the current fiscal year. It also sanctioned Rs5.081 billion for defence services to support capacity building, infrastructure development, community engagement and cyber security. The committee decided the funds would be released in phases and included in the regular defence budget from the next financial year.
The ECC also approved Rs322.87 million for the purchase of 15 coasters for the Directorate General of Special Education to provide transport for special children enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence being set up in Islamabad. The centre is expected to serve at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In addition, the committee approved Rs800 million for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad to improve public service delivery. A further Rs3.7 billion was sanctioned under the Public Sector Development Programme to enhance digital connectivity, strengthen IT infrastructure, promote e-governance and support the national ICT ecosystem.
The ECC reviewed a summary from the Petroleum Division on the future of the Asia Petroleum Limited Pipeline and formed a committee comprising relevant ministries, SIFC and Pakistan State Oil to recommend a way forward by January 31.
Towards the end of the meeting, the ECC approved Rs700 million for the Film and Drama Finance Fund under the National Film and Broadcasting Policy, 2018, with instructions for transparent use of funds and six-monthly performance reports.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers, senior officials and representatives from concerned ministries and regulatory bodies.
