Key Takeaways
- ECC approved Rs6.6 billion for 30 bulletproof vehicles for the upcoming SCO summit.
- Gas supply to two Punjab-based fertiliser plants extended until September 30, 2026.
- Rs5 billion supplementary grant approved for Daanish Schools Authority Fund.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Pakistan’s Cabinet has approved a supplementary grant of Rs6.6 billion for the purchase of 30 bulletproof vehicles to ensure security during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled for September 2027.
The approval was made at a meeting presided over by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who was asked to seek further details on the need for additional bulletproof vehicles, should any arise.
In addition to the security measures, the ECC also extended the gas supply to Fatima Fertiliser and Agritech until September 30, 2026, due to the non-availability of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The ECC reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MoNFSR) on Minimum Indicative Prices for the tobacco crop but deferred the agenda, directing the ministry to resubmit the proposal with further justification.
The committee also approved a Rs5 billion supplementary grant as seed money for the Daanish Schools Authority Fund, to be maintained under the Endowment framework, at the request of the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training.
Furthermore, the ECC conducted a progress review of the Pakistan Skills Impact Bond (PSIB) and set September 30, 2026, as the deadline for the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training to share substantive progress against the initiative, for which the Government of Pakistan (GoP) guarantee was extended.
The ECC meeting also discussed the export of donkey meat and hides from the Gwadar Free Zone, along with the required safeguards, at the request of the MoNFSR and on the recommendations of the committee constituted to resolve issues relating to the matter.
