ECC approves Rs360.24 billion in supplementary grants for water, defence and gas projects

The Economic Coordination Committee endorsed Rs360.24 billion in additional budget authorisations on Wednesday, with Rs275 billion earmarked for ongoing water infrastructure work and Rs84.233 billion assigned to three Defence Division needs. Those defence allocations cover current projects, Project Istaqlal and an aircraft induction. A separate Rs1 billion was approved to extend gas connections to settlements near producing fields in financial year 2026-27.

The committee also allowed gas deliveries to FatimaFert and Agritech through the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited network to continue until December 31, 2026, provided supplies are adequate. Other decisions included revised financing terms for the Prime Minister’s youth and agriculture lending scheme, transferring Rs15.625 billion in savings to the Austerity Fund, and extending 89 petroleum exploration rights subject to conditions. The ECC also approved limits on imports of camera-equipped smart glasses and called for workplace rules on their use.