The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by the Finance Minister, on Monday approved a series of major financial relief measures, subsidies, and policy decisions aimed at addressing recent challenges, strengthening the economy, and promoting digital adoption, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.
The ECC gave its approval for Rs 5.8 billion relief package for victims of the recent monsoon rains across the country. To ensure swift disbursement, the Finance Ministry was directed to release Rs 4 billion immediately.
In another significant decision, the ECC approved the implementation of a uniform fuel charges adjustment across the country, a step aimed at harmonising electricity tariffs nationwide.
The committee also sanctioned a supplementary grant of Rs 330 million to facilitate the release of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) ships currently held in South Africa. Alongside, the Ministry of Industries and Production was directed to urgently settle the final stage of an arbitration case in court, with a progress report to be submitted within three months.
The ECC approved the term sheet for the launch of the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Program, which is expected to encourage energy efficiency. Similarly, it also endorsed the term sheet prepared by the National Information and Communication Authority (NICA) on the basis of a draft tripartite agreement between the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks. To support this initiative, the committee approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs 2 billion for NICA.
In line with the Strategic Policy of the National Security Division, the ECC approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs 250 million for the division’s planning cell, with the remaining required amount to be released in phases.
One of the most notable decisions was the approval of a Rs 3.5 billion subsidy for QR code-based person-to-merchant payments, which will be continued for three years. The Finance Ministry said the initiative aims to accelerate digital adoption and promote the digital economy in Pakistan. The committee directed the State Bank of Pakistan to issue an immediate notification to operationalise this scheme.
The ECC also gave its nod to the new Energy Vehicle Policy 2025-30, which is expected to shape the country’s transition toward cleaner mobility solutions.
During the meeting, the ECC also reviewed the overall gas sector and supply situation in the country. The Ministry of Petroleum was tasked with taking effective measures to minimise losses in the gas sector and ensure greater efficiency in supply management.
Reporter: Waqas Azeem