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–ECC approves major fiscal approvals, restructuring plans, and development funding across education, health, railways, maritime sectors during Islamabad meeting chaired by finance minister
Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Tuesday approved multiple Technical Supplementary Grants and structural reforms. The committee also cleared Pakistan National Shipping Corporation restructuring and a national gemstone policy framework.
The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The agenda covered education, health, security, maritime, and social protection allocations. Officials said the approvals support ongoing fiscal management under ECC Pakistan priorities.
The ECC approved Rs 3,915.24 million for the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme. The funding will be routed through the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission NAVTTC. It also includes establishment and strengthening of Danish Schools across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.
The programme aims to expand technical education access for youth. Education planners said skills development remains central to Pakistan labour market reforms. The initiative aligns with broader public investment in human capital development.
Separately, the ECC cleared Rs 160 million for Prime Minister Office maintenance requirements. The allocation follows the winding up of Pakistan Public Works Department. Maintenance responsibilities have been transferred to Capital Development Authority CDA.
The committee also approved Rs 480 million for Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North Hospital at Shakas. The hospital serves personnel, families of martyrs, and injured soldiers. Officials said continuity of healthcare services remains a priority for security forces welfare.
In the health sector, the ECC approved Rs 1.5 billion for the Prime Minister National Health Programme. The programme is the revised phase of the former Sehat Sahulat initiative. It provides fully public funded health insurance coverage to eligible citizens.
Health officials said the programme expands financial protection against rising medical costs. The scheme is part of Pakistan social protection reforms under PSDP 2025-26 framework. Health coverage expansion remains a key policy focus for federal planners.
The committee also approved enhanced financial support for Jammu and Kashmir refugees. Monthly subsistence allowance increased from Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,000 per person. The revision will take effect from February 1, 2026.
A total of Rs 578.838 million was allocated through supplementary grant. The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan will manage implementation. Officials said the adjustment addresses inflationary pressure on vulnerable households. Budget planning for future support will be reviewed in upcoming fiscal cycle.
The ECC also approved Rs 1 billion for the Railways Division under assistance package liabilities. The funding supports outstanding obligations linked to employee pensions and financial commitments. The committee directed a comprehensive review of pension liabilities.
The Establishment Division will examine the broader assistance package framework. Pakistan Railways continues to face structural financial constraints and subsidy dependence. Reform discussions have focused on improving operational efficiency and cost recovery.
In the agriculture and food sector, ECC Pakistan approved Rs 1 billion for National Agri Trade and Food Safety Authority NAFSA. The authority aims to improve regulatory oversight of food safety standards. It also covers plant health, livestock regulation, and agrochemical monitoring.
Officials said the framework supports international trade compliance requirements. The move aligns with Pakistan efforts to modernise agricultural export systems. Food safety governance has gained importance amid export diversification goals.
The committee granted in principle approval for restructuring Pakistan National Shipping Corporation PNSC. The plan involves sale of 30 percent shareholding and transfer of management control to National Logistics Corporation NLC. The decision is intended to improve maritime competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Maritime officials highlighted emerging transshipment opportunities in regional trade routes. The restructuring is expected to enhance port logistics integration. Strategic maritime reforms remain central to Pakistan blue economy ambitions. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and National Logistics Corporation will lead transition planning.
The ECC also approved the National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030. The policy targets formalisation of gemstone mining and export expansion. It promotes value addition, modern extraction methods, and international marketing standards.
The policy focuses on Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions. Industry officials said Pakistan has significant untapped gemstone reserves. The sector has long faced informal trade and weak regulatory enforcement. The policy aims to integrate gemstone production into formal export channels.
The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers including power, petroleum, food security, and investment portfolios. Officials from multiple divisions and regulatory bodies also participated. The approvals reflect continued reliance on supplementary grants for priority spending.
Fiscal managers said ECC decisions balance development needs with budget constraints. Analysts note growing emphasis on targeted social protection and structural reforms. Future policy direction will depend on budgetary space and external financing conditions.
The ECC concluded the session with directives for timely implementation across ministries. Authorities were instructed to expedite execution of approved projects. The committee reiterated focus on efficiency, governance, and economic stabilisation. Pakistan continues to pursue reforms across transport, health, and industrial sectors. The ECC also remains central to economic decision making and fiscal coordination.
