Islamabad, October 3, 2024 – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet has approved a supplementary grant of Rs 45 billion for various defence services projects.
The decision, reported by Radio Pakistan, was made during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Thursday.
In addition to the hefty defence allocation, the ECC sanctioned Rs 150 million for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to cover Pakistan’s participation in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP-29), which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
Defence Services Allocation
The Rs 45 billion supplementary grant for defence services is expected to bolster the country’s military infrastructure and support ongoing projects critical to national security. While specific details of the projects were not disclosed, this significant allocation underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the operational readiness of Pakistan’s defence forces.
COP-29 Funding
The Rs 150 million approved for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination will help meet Pakistan’s requirements for participation in COP-29. Pakistan, being highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, plans to leverage this global platform to showcase its climate initiatives, including renewable energy projects, afforestation efforts, and disaster risk reduction measures. A Pakistan Pavilion will be set up at the conference to highlight these actions and to participate in side events aimed at promoting the country’s progress on climate resilience.
Anti-Rabies Vaccine Price Adjustment
One of the key health-related decisions made during the ECC meeting was the approval to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the locally-manufactured Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV). The vaccine, produced by the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, has faced a shortfall, particularly at the Federal General Hospital in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination informed the committee that the ARV is currently priced at Rs 891.65 per vial, far below the market rates of WHO-approved (Rs 2,126.40) and non-WHO-approved (Rs 1,266.14) vaccines. After thorough consideration, the ECC approved raising the price of the NIH-manufactured ARV to Rs 1,980 per vial. This increase is aimed at covering the cost of imported materials and ensuring a steady supply to public sector hospitals, helping to mitigate the vaccine shortage.
Salary Adjustment for Anti-Narcotics Force
The ECC also approved an increase in the Special Allowance for Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) employees, bringing it on par with other Federal Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The meeting noted that ANF personnel, who perform similarly hazardous duties in drug enforcement and border security, had been earning considerably lower salaries. The salary revision, which will cost Rs 264.744 million, will be funded from the current year’s sanctioned budget.
South Asian Games Proposal Deferred
The ECC also considered a proposal from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination for a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) of Rs 400 million to support the organization of the 14th edition of the South Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in April 2025. However, the committee decided to defer the decision, instructing the ministry to re-submit the proposal with a comprehensive cost breakdown and plans for financing the event through sponsorships, commercial advertising, and government funding.