Equal Wheat Distribution Plan Gets Nod of ECC

ISLAMABAD, (TDI): The ECC approved the release of Rs 30 billion earmarked for the “Flood Response Emergency Housing Project” for the Sindh province.

This facility is a technical grant for facilitating immediate support to the Government of Sindh as per the Finance Division strategy.

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, focusing on critical issues affecting food security and national expenditure.

One of the primary agenda items was a proposal from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research regarding the allocation of domestic and imported wheat stocks from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to wheat-deficient regions for the Food Year 2024-25.

After thorough discussion, the ECC decided that wheat allocations would be made based on a predetermined ratio established on February 01, 2024.

All seven wheat-deficient agencies will receive wheat according to their committed demands, with quality testing mandated prior to pickup to ensure fitness for consumption.

In addition, the ECC approved a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) of Rs. 252.711 million for the Ministry of Interior, reallocating funds surrendered by the Ministry of Housing and Works.

This grant aims to maintain essential civic services at key locations, including the Prime Minister’s Office and Staff Colony.

Another significant approval came for the Ministry of Defence, which received a TSG of Rs. 1.8 billion designated for the overhaul of engines in two VVIP aircraft used for state duties by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

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The meeting further sanctioned a proposal from the Ministry of Interior to allocate Rs. 2.939 billion as a TSG for the purchase of two e-Passport Personalization systems and six desktop machines, ensuring seamless operations within the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.

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The committee also considered a summary from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), approving a TSG of Rs. 376 million for operational expenses related to the Recovery and Reward Rules 2002.

Lastly, a proposal from the Ministry of Commerce for a TSG of Rs. 226.720 million to bolster trade and investment missions in China was also approved, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its international economic engagement.

This meeting reflects the government’s proactive approach to addressing critical economic and infrastructural needs, setting a foundation for continued progress in the nation’s development agenda.

Attended by prominent officials, including Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, and Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, the meeting also featured virtual participation from the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.