The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved a Rs6.6 billion supplementary grant for the purchase of 30 bulletproof vehicles for the movement of heads of state during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in September 2027.
The Cabinet Division had sought approval for a Rs12.6bn supplementary grant to procure more than 50 bulletproof vehicles for the summit.
After detailed deliberations, the ECC approved Rs6.6bn for 30 vehicles and directed the Cabinet Division to conduct a comprehensive assessment before seeking funds for any additional vehicles. The division was told to submit a fresh request if further requirements were identified.
The ECC also considered a proposal from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research regarding minimum indicative prices for tobacco and revised cess rates for the 2026-27 crop. However, the committee was not satisfied with the justification provided and deferred the matter, directing the ministry to resubmit the proposal with further details.
The committee also approved the export of donkey meat and hides from the Gwadar Free Zone, subject to specified safeguards. The decision was taken on the request of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and following recommendations by a committee formed to address issues related to the matter.
The ECC further approved a request to continue gas supplies to Fatima Fertiliser and Agritech until September 30 under the existing arrangement. The measure is intended to support fertiliser production amid the unavailability of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
On the request of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the committee approved a Rs5bn supplementary grant as seed funding for the Daanish Schools Authority Fund, to be maintained under the endowment framework.
The ECC also reviewed progress on the Pakistan Skills Impact Bond (PSIB) and set September 30, 2026, as the deadline for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to submit a substantive progress report on the initiative, for which the government guarantee had been extended.
