ECC to meet ahead of budget

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has been summoned for an important meeting on the weekend ahead of the federal budget, where a wide range of financial and development-related proposals involving billions of rupees are expected to come under review, sources said on Thursday.

Officials said the meeting will focus on approving substantial grants and additional funds across multiple sectors, with decisions likely to shape key fiscal and development priorities before the announcement of the new budget.

Among the major proposals on the agenda is a grant exceeding Rs7 billion under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme, which is set to be discussed in detail during the session. Sources indicated that Rs528 million for the Pakistan Land Ports Authority is also under consideration.

The approval of Rs150 million in additional funds for the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is expected. Security-related funding will also feature prominently, with over Rs410 million proposed for payments linked to the Reko Diq project.

In addition, Rs690 million has been requested for security arrangements connected to the Islamabad peace talks.

The agenda also includes the transfer of development funds under the Karachi and Hyderabad package, as well as deliberations on the redistribution of special programme funds for K-P.

A proposal worth Rs 1.3 billion for the upgradation of the Pakistan Mint is also part of the agenda, alongside consideration of a syndicated financing facility for Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Sources said that an agreement related to an oil refinery upgrade project will also be reviewed during the session.

In addition, supplementary grants and additional allocations for various ministries are expected to be approved, as the government moves to finalise key fiscal and development decisions ahead of the upcoming budget announcement.