ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved billions of rupees in supplementary grants for defence and water sector projects, alongside a series of economic and administrative measures.
The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division, considered 11 agenda items submitted by various government ministries and departments.
The ECC approved three summaries submitted by the Defence Division for separate Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs), comprising Rs. 54 billion for various ongoing Defence Services projects, another Rs. 1.094 billion for the induction of a Lineage L-1000 aircraft and Rs. 29.139 billion for Project Istaqlal.
The ECC also approved Rs.3.71m for helicopter maintenance requirements of the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North).
The ECC also approved the proposed revision in the tiers and bank rate of the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYBALS).
The revised structure aims to expand access to affordable financing and promote youth entrepreneurship and employment.
The Committee also approved the transfer of Rs. 15.625 billion in savings generated through austerity and fuel conservation measures to the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.
The ECC further approved a TSG of Rs. 275 billion for important water sector projects under the Ministry of Water Resources. The allocation will support the development of key water infrastructure and help advance the implementation of ongoing projects.
On a summary submitted by the Commerce Division, the Committee approved restrictions on the import of camera-enabled smart glasses.
The Committee also recommended that provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory develop appropriate workplace regulations to govern the use of such devices.
The ECC approved the continuation of gas supply to FatimaFert and Agritech, the two SNGPL-based urea manufacturing plants, up to December 31, 2026, subject to the availability of the required energy supply.
The Committee also approved relaxation in the applicable Exploration and Production (E&P) Rules for the extension and renewal of 89 petroleum rights, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed conditions.
The ECC further approved a TSG of Rs. 1 billion for the gasification of villages falling within a five-kilometre radius of gas production fields during FY 2026-27.
The approval will facilitate gas infrastructure development and improve access to natural gas in communities near producing fields.
