Meeting to focus on approving significant grants, additional funding across multiple sectors
ISLAMABAD:
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has been convened for an important meeting this weekend ahead of the federal budget, where a host of financial and development-related proposals involving billions of rupees are expected to be reviewed, sources said on Thursday.
Officials said the meeting will focus on approving significant grants and additional funds across multiple sectors, with decisions likely to shape key finance and development priorities ahead of the announcement of the new budget.
Among the major proposals on the agenda is a grant of over Rs 7 billion under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme, which is to be discussed in detail during the session. Sources indicated that Rs528 million to the Pakistan Land Ports Authority is also under consideration.
The approval of Rs150 million in additional funds for the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is expected. Security-related funding will also feature prominently, with over Rs410 million proposed for payments linked to the Reko Diq project.
Additionally, Rs690 million has been requested for security arrangements associated with Islamabad peace talks.
The agenda also includes transfer of development funds under the Karachi and Hyderabad package, as well as consideration of reallocation of special program funds to KP.
A proposal worth Rs1.3 billion to upgrade the Pakistan Mint is also on the agenda, alongside consideration of a syndicated financing facility for Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Sources said an agreement related to an oil refinery upgrade project will also be reviewed during the session.
In addition, supplementary appropriations and additional appropriations to various ministries are expected to be approved as the government moves to finalize key financial and development decisions ahead of the upcoming budget announcement.
