Economic Coordination Committee

ECC discusses summary to increase gas prices, defers matter till next meeting

PM aide says draft approved by cabinet will be revised to address concerns of stakeholders

First shipment is expected to arrive by February 15 whereas wheat imports would be allowed in country till March 31

Economic Coordination Committee to decide on exemption on sales tax of 5%

Nothing except for accusations seem to be making any headlines

PM Imran orders countrywide ‘grand operation’ in an attempt to tackle wheat crisis

Amendments aimed at passing on cost of inefficient governance to consumers, timely notification of tariff increase

SBP has 90% shares in HBFC; their sale will pave way for company’s privatisation

Also allows duty-free import of cotton

This will take total excess expenditure above approved budget to Rs392b in FY19

ECC likely to give nod to a consortium that will bid for UAE offshore block

ECC approves Rs460m for dealing with pest attack

Complains summary for privatisation of PIAIL assets shared just before ECC meeting

Traders' body refuses to comply until all agreement terms are enforced

Stresses need for promoting agriculture sector, providing relief to farmers

ECC also increases wheat support price by Rs65 to Rs1,365 per 40 kg

ECC approves over Rs220m for increasing stipends of student nurses in Islamabad

PM’s aide informs NA panel DISCOs privatisation not possible in two years

Production cost in Punjab is same as wheat support price

Decision will give govt two more years to repay loans taken to cut circular debt

Despite a ban, millers continue to increase flour prices

Discussions held on proposal of placing PHA under control of commerce ministry

Approves transfer of Rs2b from parliamentarians’ schemes to priority projects

Around a dozen have surrendered their membership in past two to three months

Company getting nod will produce aluminium ingots at its processing plant

Finance Division could not release amount for March-June FY19

Also allows revision in fertiliser prices and PIA budget re-appropriation

Says gratuity, PF and leave encashment are not liability of federal government

It is believed the restriction may not stop smuggling to Afghanistan

ECC gave directives to special committee for implementing relevant proposals

Authorities decide to discontinue Rs3 per unit electricity subsidy for local industries

Expresses displeasure over proposal for sale of power distribution companies

Fund has been conceived and approved without involvement of SECP

Power Division insists Rs118-billion amount should not be collected from distribution companies

Approves Rs46.2m for the project that will provide jobs to the youth

Meeting will discuss whether to transfer entire or partial burden on consumers or defer the increase

ECC’s selection of the nominated departments is slightly puzzling

Hands over PMTF to Strategic Plans Division to turn around ailing unit

Committee will also examine options to boost Gwadar port, city projects

ECC imposes restrictions on export of sugarcane molasses to curb tax evasion

Committee also allows import of 50,000 tons of urea fertiliser to meet requirements in Rabi season

Is currently suppling imported RLNG to its consumers

ECC approves second supplemental agreement aims at timely payments to electricity producers

Allows export of 0.5m tons of sugar with subsidy of Rs10.70 per kg

Trade minister insists small gas tariff hike will not harm industries

Argue it has become uneconomical to produce jet fuel at current price

Project will ensure smooth flow of oil across the country and curb theft

Provinces argue central govt has no right to take decision on gas imports

Gas allocated to fertiliser plants will be diverted to Punjab residential consumers

Rollover of Rs47 billion circular debt, tax exemptions on key project among pending issues