Business Recorder
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met on Wednesday at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, where the ECC approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination for a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) amounting to Rs2.8 billion in favour of the Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI). The committee was informed that the FDI remains a key national programme aimed at immunising over eight million children against vaccine-preventable diseases, and the grant will support continued pooled procurement of vaccines, syringes, and Cold Chain Equipment Optimisation Platform (CCEOP) in coordination with the provinces. The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Commerce Division regarding amendments to the Import Policy Order (IPO), 2022 for the import of Areca nut (betel nut), a widely consumed commodity with significant commercial importance in the domestic market. The revised framework, including pre-shipment inspection and enhanced regulatory oversight, has been introduced, under approval by the prime minister, to ensure compliance with phytosanitary and food safety standards, minimise disputes, and facilitate trade in line with international best practices. Also read: ECC orders ministries to surrender Rs100bn PSDP cut for PM’s fund The committee further approved a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs306 million in favour of the Airports Security Force (ASF) under the Defence Division to meet essential obligations, including payments under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package, encashment of Leave Preparation Reserve (LPR), and Travelling and Daily Allowances. The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Federal Education and Professional Training Division for allocation of Rs2 billion through a Technical Supplementary Grant. The Committee noted that the funds have been generated through adjustment within the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and will be utilised for priority initiatives, including establishment of Daanish School, Kuri, Islamabad, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme under NAVTTC to enhance youth employability. The ECC emphasised the need for robust monitoring and tracking of fund utilisation, with clear performance benchmarks and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with intended outcomes.
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