38 bulletproof vehicles for school kids

ISLAMABAD:

The government on Tuesday approved an additional budget for the military to procure bullet-proof vehicles for the transportation of schoolchildren in Balochistan, according to an official handout released by the Ministry of Finance.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved a Rs2.1 billion supplementary budget after reviewing a summary submitted by the Defence Division.

The ECC approved the summary for a technical supplementary grant for the procurement of bullet-proof vehicles, noting the operational imperatives and security requirements. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already allowed the allocation of funds for the procurement of 38 bullet-proof coasters for schoolchildren in Balochistan.

The military's school chain – the Army Public School (APS) – has been targeted in the past. Children of military personnel and civilians study in these schools across the country. The major terrorist attack on the APS in 2014 left 144 children dead and another 114 injured.

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 had approved a Rs2.55 trillion defence budget. However, some operational needs of the armed forces are often met outside the regular budget.

Meanwhile, the ECC approved a Rs167.5 million supplementary grant as reward money for the Pakistan Under-19 Men's Cricket Team, recognising their outstanding performance and international achievement, according to the Finance Ministry. Each Under-19 team member will receive Rs10 million, while seven match officials have been given Rs2.5 million each.

Pakistan dominated all three formats and thrashed arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the U-19 Asia Cup final, claiming the prestigious title emphatically. The victory also marked redemption for Pakistan, which had suffered a heavy defeat to the same opponents in the group stage and entered the final as underdogs against an unbeaten Indian side.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb observed that such recognition of the cricket team not only acknowledges sporting excellence but also encourages young talent representing the country on international platforms.

At the outset, the ECC offered Fateha for the departed soul of former two-time finance minister and former State Bank of Pakistan governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar. Paying tribute, Aurangzeb acknowledged her distinguished service, noting that her contributions went beyond her role as a caretaker minister.

He highlighted that key institutional and tax policy reforms implemented subsequently were conceptualised during her tenure, and observed that her leadership and vision would continue to positively impact economic governance. The ECC extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues.

Dr Shamshad was known for her dedication and hands-on approach. She had served on the boards of numerous government companies and also held the position of Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations.