The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, met on Thursday to review the country’s overall economic situation and approve funding for key development and relief initiatives.
Officials briefed the committee on inflation trends, noting that prices remained low at the start of the financial year, with inflation recorded at 4.1 percent in July and 3 percent in August. Inflation temporarily rose in September and October, reaching 6.1 percent in November, averaging 5 percent from July to November compared to 7.9 percent in the same period last fiscal year. The stabilization of prices was attributed to improved economic policies and gradual improvement in commodity supply.
The ECC approved several funding allocations, including:
Rs 5.76 billion for the establishment of Danish Schools and consideration of public-private partnerships.
Funds for the Youth Skill Development Program.
Development schemes in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additional budget for the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and direction to submit a comprehensive business plan.
Rs 200 billion to address financial challenges faced by power distribution companies (discos) and Rs 6.35 billion for power projects.
Rs 4.77 billion in assistance to 945 families of missing persons.
Funds for repair of helicopters for FC Balochistan and Rangers.
Construction of 104 new family suites for members of parliament.
Rs 40 million for JEE projects and Rs 250 million for King Hamad Nursing University.
Approval of changes in the fan replacement program to reduce electricity consumption and a direction to the CDA to submit a plan for maintenance of government buildings.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized that these measures aim to ensure economic stability, improve public services, and provide targeted assistance to vulnerable groups while supporting development projects across the country.