ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved multiple development initiatives worth billions of rupees, including funding for education, health, and youth skill programmes.
The committee approved Rs 3.9 billion for the Prime Minister’s Youth Skills Programme and the Daanish Schools initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities across the country.
It also approved an increase in the monthly stipend for Kashmiri refugees from Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,000 to provide better financial support to affected families.
Under the health sector allocations, Rs 1.5 billion was approved for the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme, while Rs 480 million was allocated for the FC KP North Hospital project in Shaks.
Additionally, Rs 160 million was approved for maintenance and repair of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Rs 1 billion was sanctioned under the PM Assistance Package for payment of railway liabilities. Another Rs 1 billion technical supplementary grant was approved to operationalise Nafsa.
The ECC also granted principle approval for the restructuring of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and handing over administrative control of the National Logistics Cell (NLC).
Furthermore, the committee approved the Gems and Jewellery Policy 2026–2030, aimed at boosting exports and strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
The meeting emphasized the need to increase exports and improve economic efficiency through structural reforms and targeted investment in key sectors.
