Key Takeaways
- The Economic Coordination Committee approved Rs. 27.62 billion in sovereign guarantees.
- The funds will support the Build-Operate-Transfer project under PPP model.
- Rs. 3.25 billion per quarter will be released for PTVC's operational needs.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Pakistan has approved Rs. 27.62 billion in sovereign guarantees to facilitate the financial close for the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway project, a key infrastructure initiative under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Approved by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, this decision aims to support the concessionaire in securing financing for the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project. The funds will be utilized to revise the financing structure and ensure smooth implementation of the motorway project.
In a related development, the ECC also approved a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC), allowing the release of Rs. 3.25 billion per quarter during FY2026-27 to meet operational and essential expenditures.
However, the committee directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to return within two months with a comprehensive financial sustainability plan for PTVC, indicating that future support would be linked to a long-term restructuring strategy.
The meeting was attended by key cabinet ministers including Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. Senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies also participated.
The ECC's decision is expected to provide a significant boost to the motorway project, which aims to improve connectivity between Sialkot and Kharian, facilitating trade and economic growth in the region.
According to the Ministry of Communications, these guarantees will support the concessionaire in securing necessary financing for the project. The revised financing structure is designed to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency of the motorway.
