ECC approves over Rs8 billion in grants, Rs160 million for PM Office repairs, clears gemstone policy

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved several key Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs) and cleared the National Policy to Realise Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, according to a news release.

The ECC approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for allocation of Rs3,915.24 million through a Technical Supplementary Grant for the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme through NAVTTC and establishment of Danish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.

The ECC further approved two summaries submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, including a TSG amounting to Rs160 million for repair and maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office during FY2025-26, and allocation of Rs480 million for recurring operational requirements of Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas, District Khyber.

The committee was informed that following the winding up of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), maintenance responsibilities of the Prime Minister’s Office had been transferred to the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The ECC noted that the approved allocation for FC KP (North) Hospital would support uninterrupted provision of healthcare and operational services for FC personnel, families of shuhadas and injured soldiers.

The ECC also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination for a TSG of Rs1,500 million for the Prime Minister National Health Programme (4th Revised) during PSDP 2025-26.

The programme, previously known as the Sehat Sahulat Programme, is a fully public-financed social health protection initiative aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and improving access to medical services.

The committee also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan regarding enhancement of the monthly subsistence allowance for Jammu and Kashmir refugees of 1989 from Rs3,500 to Rs6,000 per person with effect from February 1, 2026, along with allocation of Rs578.838 million through a TSG for the period ending June 30, 2026.

The committee directed the concerned ministry to take up future budgetary requirements with the Finance Division during the next budget cycle.

The ECC considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Railways regarding allocation of an additional grant for payment of outstanding liabilities under the Prime Minister Assistance Package.

After detailed deliberations, the committee approved Rs1 billion under the Prime Minister Assistance Package and directed the Railways Division to undertake a broader review of pension liabilities.

The ECC also directed the Establishment Division to review the overall policy framework relating to the Prime Minister Assistance Package.

The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for allocation of Rs1 billion through a TSG for operationalisation of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA).

The authority was established to strengthen regulatory oversight relating to food safety, plant health, livestock and agro-chemicals in line with international standards and trade requirements.

The ECC also approved the National Policy to Realise Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030 submitted by the Industries and Production Division.

The policy aims to formalise the gemstone sector, promote value addition and modern mining practices, and enhance exports and regional economic development, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions and regulatory authorities.