ECC to take up 8-point agenda tomorrow

Meeting to give extension of utility stores network, supplementary grant of Rs193 billion

ISLAMABAD:

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet is expected to approve the import of goods from Afghanistan in Pakistani currency in its meeting expected later this week, sources said on Monday.

The ECC has been convened to meet on Wednesday (tomorrow) to discuss an eight-point agenda. The meeting will be chaired by Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, according to a document available to The Express Tribune.

The meeting is expected to give approval to the extension of utility stores network across the country, besides a supplementary grant of Rs193 billion under the revised estimates for repayment of foreign loans for the financial year 2021-22.

In addition, a complete ban on the import of essential and luxury goods, the imposition of a National Disease Emergency for Lumpy Skin disease is also likely to be approved.

The meeting is likely to consider and approve amendments to the Import Policy Order to allow imports from Afghanistan in Pakistani rupee. The meeting is also expected to approve the import of 120,000 tonnes of wheat for Afghanistan under the World Food Programme.