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–Price stability improves as govt clears multiple proposals
Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on April 27 noted early signs of price stability and easing inflationary pressures on essential commodities, as the government moved to sustain gains through continued monitoring and policy coordination.
The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reviewed recent economic indicators and observed that inflation trends were gradually stabilising after a period of volatility.
Officials briefed the committee that coordinated efforts at federal, provincial and district levels had helped improve oversight of markets. Enhanced monitoring through institutional mechanisms such as the National Price Monitoring Committee enabled timely interventions to control price fluctuations.
Data presented to the ECC showed that the pace of increase in essential commodity prices had slowed in recent weeks, with the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) reflecting a declining trend. Prices of key items including tomatoes, onions, wheat flour, garlic and LPG have decreased, while sugar prices also moved downward.
At the same time, commodities such as eggs, chicken, pulses, cooking oil, bread and milk recorded only marginal increases, indicating broader easing in inflationary pressure. Officials said prices of several household items were gradually returning closer to pre-volatility levels.
The committee attributed the stabilisation to improved supply chain monitoring, administrative measures and better coordination between federal and provincial authorities. Regular data sharing and targeted district-level interventions were cited as key tools in preventing sharp price hikes.
The ECC expressed satisfaction over the improving trend and emphasised the need to sustain these efforts to ensure continued price stability and protect consumers in the coming months.
During the meeting, the ECC also approved several Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs). These included Rs100 million for the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority, Rs311 million for the Government of Balochistan to support an incentive package for PAS and PSP officers, and Rs372 million for the National Accountability Bureau to support digital transformation and AI-based systems.
Additionally, Rs30 million was approved for the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination to reward the Pakistan national hockey team for qualifying for the FIH Hockey World Cup after eight years.
The ECC also reviewed a proposal from the Defence Ministry regarding Rs5.985 billion for Pakistan International Airlines holding company liabilities. Funding was approved for pension, medical reimbursements and salaries, while payment issues related to the National Insurance Company Limited were referred for further adjustment.
In policy decisions, the ECC approved amendments to the Import Policy Order 2022 to prohibit the import of goods produced through forced labour, aligning Pakistan with international labour commitments. It also allowed temporary import of used vehicles and auto parts for repair and re-export under a pilot scheme, to be reviewed after one year.
The committee further approved the export of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar under existing regulations and protocols, while a proposal related to power sector obligations was referred to the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises for further consideration.
Senior ministers including Jam Kamal Khan, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Rana Tanveer Hussain attended the meeting along with key officials.
The ECC’s assessment comes as Pakistan continues efforts to stabilise inflation and strengthen macroeconomic management, with authorities aiming to maintain price stability while supporting economic recovery.
