ISLAMABAD:
The government on Tuesday approved an additional budget for the military to procure bullet-proof vehicles for transporting school children in Balochistan, according to an official distribution notice released by the finance ministry.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved a supplementary budget of 2.1 billion in a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Rs.
The ECC approved the summary for a technical supplementary grant for the procurement of bullet proof vehicles, noting the operational imperatives and security requirements. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already allowed the allocation of funds for the purchase of 38 bullet-proof coasters for school children in Balochistan.
The military’s school chain – Army Public School (APS) – has previously been targeted. Children of military personnel and civilians study in these schools across the country. The major terrorist attack on APS in 2014 left 144 children dead and another 114 injured.
ECC was informed that the grant of 2.1 billion Rs. would be additional and over and above the regular defense budget for the current financial year. The National Assembly had approved a defense budget of Rs 2.55 trillion. However, some operational needs of the armed forces are often covered outside the general budget.
Meanwhile, the ECC approved a Rs167.5 million supplementary grant as reward money to the Pakistan U19 men’s cricket team, recognizing their outstanding performance and international achievements, according to the finance ministry. Each U-19 team member will receive Rs10 million, while seven match managers have been given Rs2.5 million each.
Dominating all three formats, Pakistan beat arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the U-19 Asia Cup final and emphatically claimed the prestigious title. The win also marked redemption for Pakistan, who had suffered a heavy defeat to the same opponents in the group stage and entered the final as underdogs against an unbeaten Indian team.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb noted that such recognition of the cricket team not only recognizes sporting excellence but also encourages young talent to represent the country at international platforms.
In the beginning, ECC offered Fateha for the departed soul of former dual Finance Minister and former Governor of State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar. In tribute, Aurangzeb acknowledged her distinguished service and noted that her contribution went beyond her role as caretaker minister.
He highlighted that key institutional and fiscal policy reforms implemented subsequently were conceptualized during her tenure, noting that her leadership and vision would continue to positively impact economic governance. ECC expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues.
Dr. Shamshad was known for her dedication and practical approach. She had served on the boards of several state-owned enterprises and also held the position of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
