ECC approves Rs2.1b for bullet-proof school vehicles

Also approves Rs167.5m grant to reward Pakistan Under-19 men’s cricket team for stellar performance in Asia Cup final

The government has approved an additional budget for the military to procure bullet-proof vehicles for the transportation of schoolchildren in the restive province of Balochistan. The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet approved an additional supplementary allocation of Rs2.1 billion for the purchase of these vehicles.

According to an official handout issued by the Ministry of Finance after the meeting, the ECC reviewed and approved a summary submitted by the Defence Division seeking a supplementary grant for the procurement of bullet-proof vehicles, citing operational imperatives and security-related requirements.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier approved the allocation of funds for the procurement of 38 bullet-proof coasters for schoolchildren in Balochistan. The military’s school network, the Army Public School, has been targeted in the past. These schools cater to the children of military personnel as well as civilians across the country.

A major terrorist attack on an Army Public School took place in 2014, killing 144 children and injuring 114 others. The ECC was informed that the Rs2.1 billion allocation would be additional and over and above the regular defence budget.

For the current fiscal year, the National Assembly has approved a Rs2.55 trillion defence budget. However, certain requirements of the armed forces are often met outside the regular budgetary framework.

Last month, the ECC had also approved a Rs50 billion supplementary budget for the armed forces to strengthen security at international borders, upgrade naval bases and continue protection of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Of the total amount, Rs39 billion was allocated to the army and nearly Rs11 billion to the navy.

The ECC also approved a Rs167.5 million supplementary grant for awarding prize money to the Pakistan Under-19 men’s cricket team in recognition of their outstanding performance, the Finance Ministry said. Each player of the Under-19 team will receive Rs10 million, while seven match officials have been awarded Rs2.5 million each.

Pakistan dominated all three formats and defeated arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, claiming the title in emphatic fashion. The victory marked a redemption for Pakistan, which had suffered a heavy defeat against the same opponents in the group stage and entered the final against an unbeaten Indian side.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said such recognition not only acknowledges sporting excellence but also serves as encouragement for young talent representing the country with distinction at international forums. The ECC also offered Fateha for the departed soul of former two-time finance minister and former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar.

Paying tribute, Aurangzeb acknowledged her distinguished service to the country, noting that her contributions extended well beyond her role as a caretaker minister. He said key institutional and tax policy reforms implemented later were conceptualised during her tenure. The committee extended heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family and colleagues.

Dr Shamshad Akhtar was widely known for her dedication and professionalism. She served on the boards of several government organisations and also held the position of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.