Also approves Rs167.5m grant to reward Pakistan U-19 men’s cricket team for outstanding performance in Asia Cup final
The government has approved an additional budget for the military to provide bulletproof vehicles to transport school children in the restive province of Balochistan. The economic coordination committee in the cabinet approved a further supplementary grant of DKK 2.1 billion. Rs. for the purchase of these vehicles.
According to an official handout issued by the Ministry of Finance after the meeting, the ECC reviewed and approved a summary submitted by the Department of Defense for a supplemental grant for the procurement of bulletproof vehicles, citing operational imperatives and security-related requirements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier approved the allocation of funds for the purchase of 38 bullet-proof coasters for school children in Balochistan. The military’s school network, Army Public School, has been targeted in the past. These schools cater to children of military personnel as well as civilians across the country.
A major terrorist attack on an army school took place in 2014, killing 144 children and injuring 114 others. 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 has approved a defense budget of Rs 2.55 trillion. However, certain requirements from the armed forces are often met outside the general budget framework.
Last month, the ECC had also approved a Rs50 billion supplementary budget for the armed forces to strengthen security at international borders, upgrade naval bases and continue protection of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Of the total, Rs39 billion was allocated to the army and nearly Rs11 billion to the navy.
The ECC also approved a supplementary grant of Rs 167.5 million to award prize money to the Pakistan Under-19 men’s cricket team in recognition of their outstanding performance, the finance ministry said. Each player in the U19 team will receive Rs10 million, while seven match managers have been awarded Rs2.5 million each.
Dominating all three formats, Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the U19 Asia Cup final and claimed the title in emphatic fashion. The win marked redemption for Pakistan, who had suffered a heavy defeat against the same opponents in the group stage and went into the final against an unbeaten Indian side.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said such recognition not only recognizes sporting excellence but also serves as encouragement to young talents who represent the country with distinction in international fora. ECC also 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 recognized her outstanding service to the country and noted that her contribution extended far beyond her role as caretaker minister. He said important institutional and fiscal policy reforms that were implemented later were conceptualized during her tenure. The committee expressed heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family and colleagues.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar was known for his commitment and professionalism. She served on the boards of several government organizations and also held the position of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
