ISLAMABAD: The government officially gave in-principle approval on Tuesday to sell 30% shares of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) will purchase this stake.
Moreover, the NLC will take over full management control of PNSC from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
A government task force on maritime affairs originally recommended this move. Consequently, officials expect this takeover to capitalize on emerging maritime and transshipment opportunities.
PNSC currently controls vital sea transport lines. Meanwhile, NLC dominates the trucking business and transports goods nationwide.
Therefore, this strategic merger of sea and land logistics marks a massive shift. Now, authorities will determine the exact sale price and finalize the transfer formalities.
Pakistan is actively navigating strict IMF conditions to counter a current fiscal year revenue shortfall. To meet a critical prior condition, Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal officially decreed Rs. 136 billion in budget savings. Officials will present these savings alongside the FY27 budget.
Furthermore, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) successfully met another mandatory IMF action. The FBR collected a massive Rs. 327.7 billion against disputed taxpayer obligations. This easily surpassed the initial Rs. 322 billion target. Specifically, Rs. 318.4 billion of this collection resulted from a recent court ruling. That ruling definitively confirmed the legality of the super tax.
ECC Clears Over Rs 8.6 Billion in Supplementary Grants
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently chaired an Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting. During this session, the committee quickly approved over Rs. 8.6 billion in supplementary grants right before the financial year ends. First, the ECC approved Rs. 160 million for the Prime Minister’s Office repair and maintenance during FY 2025-26. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) now handles these duties because the government recently abolished the Pak PWD.
Additionally, the ECC allocated funds across various critical sectors:
Healthcare: The committee approved Rs. 1.5 billion for the PM’s National Health Programme. Similarly, they granted Rs. 480 million for the Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas.
Education & Skills: Education received a major boost. The ECC cleared Rs. 3.9 billion for the PM’s Youth Skill Development Programme and the establishment of Danish Schools in AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.
Agriculture: Agriculture secured Rs. 1 billion to operationalize the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority. This body will regulate food safety, livestock, and agro-chemicals to international standards.
Railways & Refugees: Finally, the ECC released Rs. 1 billion for outstanding railway liabilities under the PM’s Assistance Package. They also allocated Rs. 578.9 million to increase the monthly allowance for 1989 Jammu & Kashmir refugees from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000 per person.
Unlocking Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential
In a final major move, the ECC approved the National Policy to Realise Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026-2030. This new policy aggressively aims to formalize the entire gemstone sector.
Furthermore, it promotes modern mining practices and commercial value addition. Consequently, the government hopes to boost exports and drive regional economic development. This targeted initiative specifically focuses on Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
