On Wednesday, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved several decisions related to wheat management, public spending, and key social sectors. One major step included selling 500,000 metric tons of wheat owned by PASSCO through an open bidding process. The committee also agreed to provide 300,000 metric tons of wheat to Punjab to help control prices and maintain food supplies.
The ECC meeting was held at the Finance Division and was led by Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. During the session, members discussed important economic and financial issues with the goal of keeping the economy stable, supporting consumers, improving public services, and meeting the needs of government organizations.
To handle excess wheat stocks, the committee approved the sale of PASSCO wheat in the market. This move is expected to lower storage costs, prevent waste, keep wheat prices steady, and protect the country’s food security.
In another decision, the ECC allowed the release of wheat to Punjab’s Food and Consumer Protection Department. This step will help flour mills get enough supply, keep prices under control, and ensure people continue to receive wheat flour without disruption.
The committee also approved funds to clear long-standing payments owed by Pakistan Post Office Department to utility companies. An amount of Rs. 10.98 billion will be released to settle bills that have been pending for many years.
In the health sector, the ECC approved Rs. 29.663 billion for the Federal Directorate of Immunization. This funding will support the purchase of vaccines and syringes, maintain routine immunization programs, prevent disease outbreaks, and meet international health commitments.
The committee further agreed to share the subsidy cost on imported urea equally between the federal and provincial governments. For this purpose, Rs. 23.42 billion was approved, with Rs. 15 billion to be released by the Finance Division and the remaining amount to be arranged later, depending on available funds.
For development and housing projects, the ECC approved Rs. 1.9 billion to support infrastructure schemes under the Sustainable Development Goals program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The funding will help speed up development work and improve public services.
Finally, the committee approved Rs. 150 million for Cadet College Hasan Abdal to cover its operational and development needs, ensuring the institution continues to function smoothly.
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