ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved a series of important grants for various development, defense and social welfare projects.
The ECC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb saw a number of key decisions aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s infrastructure, defense capabilities and social services.
Among the significant approvals, a technical supplementary grant of Rs. 5.08 billion was sanctioned for defense projects. This marks a major financial commitment to the country’s defense sector with plans to integrate defense expenditures into the regular budget starting from the next fiscal year.
In addition, the committee approved Rs. 2 billion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Program in Punjab. A special allocation of Rs. 320 million was also approved for transportation services for children with autism at the Autism Center in Islamabad.
Further approvals included Rs. 8 billion for various digital connectivity and IT infrastructure projects. Among these, Rs. 3.7 billion will be allocated for IT and digital connectivity initiatives, while Rs. 3 billion will go toward the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) digital enforcement stations.
The ECC also approved a Rs. 700 million grant for the Film and Drama Finance Fund, which aims to support Pakistan’s film and television industry. The Ministry of Finance has directed that these funds be used transparently and efficiently to foster the growth of the entertainment sector.
The government also established a committee to formulate a future roadmap for the Asia Petroleum Limited pipeline project, signaling ongoing interest in energy infrastructure development.
