ECC approves Rs84 billion for Defence, Rs 275bn for Water Projects
ISLAMABAD (News Desk): The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved over Rs 84 billion in Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs) for defence-related projects, including Rs 29.139 billion for Project Istaqlal and Rs 54 billion for various ongoing Defence Services projects.
The ECC met at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and considered 11 agenda items submitted by various Ministries and Divisions.
According to a press release issued by the Finance Division, the ECC approved three separate summaries submitted by the Defence Division.
The approvals include Rs 54 billion for various ongoing Defence Services projects, Rs 1.094 billion for the induction of a Lineage L-1000 aircraft and Rs 29.139 billion for Project Istaqlal. The approvals are aimed at meeting essential operational requirements and supporting national security priorities.
On a summary submitted by the Interior and Narcotics Control Division, the Committee also approved a TSG of Rs 3.71 million to meet the helicopter maintenance requirements of the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North).
In a major development allocation, the ECC approved a TSG of Rs 275 billion for important water sector projects under the Ministry of Water Resources. The allocation will support the development of key water infrastructure and help advance the implementation of ongoing projects.
The Committee also approved the proposed revision in the tiers and bank rate of the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYBALS). The revised structure aims to expand access to affordable financing and promote youth entrepreneurship and employment.
The ECC approved the transfer of Rs 15.625 billion in savings generated through austerity and fuel conservation measures to the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.
On a summary submitted by the Commerce Division, the Committee approved restrictions on the import of camera-enabled smart glasses. The Committee also recommended that provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory develop appropriate workplace regulations to govern the use of such devices.
The ECC approved the continuation of gas supply to FatimaFert and Agritech, the two SNGPL-based urea manufacturing plants, up to December 31, 2026, subject to the availability of the required energy supply.
The Committee also approved relaxation in the applicable Exploration and Production (E&P) Rules for the extension and renewal of 89 petroleum rights, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed conditions.
The ECC further approved a TSG of Rs 1 billion for the gasification of villages falling within a five-kilometre radius of gas production fields during FY 2026-27. The approval will facilitate gas infrastructure development and improve access to natural gas in communities near producing fields.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries and divisions.