ECC approves Rs275 billion for water sector, defence grants and smart glasses import ban

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet met at the Finance Division on Wednesday under the chair of Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. It considered 11 proposals from various ministries and gave several key approvals.

The committee approved technical supplementary grants on three summaries of the Defence Division. These include Rs54 billion for ongoing defence services projects, Rs1.094 billion for the induction of the Lineage L1000 aircraft and Rs29.139 billion for Project Istiqlal.

On a summary of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, a grant of Rs3.71 million was given for the maintenance of helicopters of the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan (North).

A technical supplementary grant of Rs275 billion was approved for key projects of the Ministry of Water Resources. Rs1 billion was also approved for the 2026-27 financial year to supply gas to villages within a five-kilometre radius of gas-producing areas.

The committee approved the transfer of Rs15.625 billion, saved through austerity and fuel-saving measures, to the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026.

It also approved a revision of the tiers and bank rate of the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme. The aim is to give young people access to cheaper loans and to promote employment.

On a summary of the Ministry of Commerce, a ban on the import of smart glasses with cameras was approved. The committee recommended that the provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory frame suitable workplace rules on their use.

The ECC approved the continued supply of gas until 31 December 2026 to both urea fertiliser plants connected to the Sui Northern system, Fatima Fert and Agritech, subject to energy availability. It also allowed relaxation, subject to fulfilment of conditions, in the Exploration and Production Rules for the extension and renewal of 89 petroleum rights.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, federal secretaries and senior officials.