TAHIR AMIN
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday granted in-principle approval for the restructuring of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation through the sale of a 30 percent stake and the transfer of management control to National Logistics Corporation.
The ECC also approved the National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030.
The Committee met under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, here on Tuesday.
The ECC approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training for allocation of Rs. 3,915.24 million through Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme through NAVTTC and establishment of Danish Schools in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.
The ECC further approved two summaries submitted by the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control, including TSG amounting to Rs. 160 million for repair and maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office during FY 2025-26, and allocation of Rs. 480 million for recurring operational requirements of Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas, District Khyber. The Committee was informed that following the winding up of Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), maintenance responsibilities of the Prime Minister’s Office had been transferred to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The ECC further noted that the approved allocation for FC KP (North) Hospital would support uninterrupted provision of healthcare and operational services for FC personnel, families of Shuhadas, and injured soldiers.
The ECC considered and approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination for a TSG of Rs. 1,500 million for the Prime Minister National Health Programme (4th Revised) during PSDP 2025-26. The programme, previously known as the Sehat Sahulat Programme, is a fully public-financed social health protection initiative aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and supporting access to medical services.
The Committee also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan regarding enhancement of monthly Subsistence/Guzara Allowance for Jammu & Kashmir Refugees of 1989 from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000 per person with effect from 01 February 2026, along with allocation of Rs. 578.838 million through TSG for the period ending 30 June 2026. The Committee directed the concerned Ministry to take up future budgetary requirements with the Finance Division for the next budget cycle.
The ECC considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Railways regarding the allocation of an additional grant for payment of outstanding liabilities under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package. After detailed deliberation, the Committee approved Rs. 1 billion as the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package and directed the Railways Division to undertake a broader review of its pension liabilities. The ECC also directed the Establishment Division to review the overall policy framework relating to the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package.
Official sources revealed that Pakistan Railways is facing pending employee-related liabilities worth Rs 21.36 billion, with dues of retired and serving staff remaining unpaid. Significant financial constraints have adversely affected its ability to clear pension-related liabilities and other employee benefits on time. As a result, payments have been delayed.
The Ministry of Railways has repeatedly requested the Finance Division for the provision of additional grants to clear these outstanding liabilities; however, no additional funds have been released to date. In this regard, a summary for the allocation of an additional Grant-in-Aid amounting toRs. 8.190 billion for the clearance of outstanding liabilities about the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package was submitted for consideration of the ECC of the Cabinet.
The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research for allocation of Rs. 1 billion through TSG for operationalization of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). The Authority was established to strengthen regulatory oversight relating to food safety, plant health, livestock, and agro-chemicals in line with international standards and trade requirements.
The National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–30 aims to formalize the gemstone sector, promote value addition and modern mining practices, and enhance exports and regional economic development, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from the relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory authorities.
