ISLAMABAD  -  The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Monday expressed concerns regarding the price hikes in pulses (Gram and Mash) and chicken.

The ECC also reviewed the situation surrounding these price increases and asked the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) to monitor the developments in consultation with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and provincial administrations, with the aim of providing relief to the public as soon as possible. Additionally, the ECC decided to continue monitoring the prices of essential food items to ensure that the benefits of declining inflation reach the average consumer.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet at Finance Division. During the meeting, several key agenda items were discussed and decisions were made. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) presented a summary requesting a technical supplementary grant (TSG) of Rs95.822 million to settle the outstanding dues related to the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting. After deliberation, the ECC directed the ministry to re-appropriate the funds from its allocated budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. In case of a shortfall of funds at the end of the fiscal year, the Finance Division will allocate a technical supplementary grant as needed.

Another request from MoIB for an additional TSG of Rs536.1 million for crucial digital initiatives was discussed. The ECC similarly directed the ministry to re-appropriate the required amount from its FY2024-25 budget, with the possibility of supplementary funds being allocated later, if required. The Ministry of Industries and Production brought forward a summary regarding the Peshawar High Court’s decision on the export of sugar from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Ministry emphasised that based on national data, the sugar production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is less than the province’s annual consumption of 0.979 million MT. The local deficit is usually met by sugar supplied from surplus-producing provinces such as Punjab and Sindh. Therefore, no sugar shortage is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, even with the current and any future exports allowed by the ECC. As a result, the ECC reiterated its earlier decision based on the provided national figures. However, the request and suggestions from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were duly noted.

The Ministry of Law and Justice presented a summary for the surrender of Rs151.787 million from the Ministry of Housing and Works, to be transferred to the Supreme Court of Pakistan for the repair and maintenance of its buildings. The ECC approved the transfer of these funds through a technical supplementary grant for FY2024-25. A summary from the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) was also presented, seeking approval for the Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the supply of POL products between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and SOCAR Azerbaijan. The ECC approved the signing of the SPA.

The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) submitted the Circular Debt Management Plan for FY2024-25. The ECC approved the plan, which aims to reduce liabilities in the power sector and enhance financial sustainability. The Ministry of Interior requested a TSG amounting to Rs650.35 million to cover costs related to the SCO Summit 2024, repairs of Safe City cameras damaged during violent protests, and maintaining law and order in Islamabad. The ECC directed the ministry to re-appropriate the funds from its allocated budget for FY2024-25.

In another matter, the Ministry of Interior presented a summary seeking Rs2.70 billion spent on arrangements and beautification of Islamabad for the 23rd SCO Summit. Following detailed discussions, the ECC decided that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of Interior should get a third-party cost and expenditure verification before bringing the summary back for further consideration. The meeting was attended by Minister for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, the governor State Bank of Pakistan, the chairman SECP, the chairman Board of Investment, federal secretaries and senior officers from concerned ministries and departments.