ECC approves PNSC restructuring through 30% stake sale to NLC

May 19, 2026 (MLN): The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the restructuring of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation through the sale of a 30% shareholding and transfer of management control to National Logistics Corporation.

The decision was taken during an ECC meeting held at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The summary regarding the restructuring plan was submitted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

According to the official statement, the ECC directed the concerned authorities to expedite the restructuring process in view of tapping emerging maritime and transshipment opportunities.

The move is aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening Pakistan’s maritime logistics sector amid growing regional trade and shipping activities.

The ECC further approved two summaries submitted by the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control, including TSG amounting to Rs160 million for repair and maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office during FY 2025-26, and allocation of Rs480 million for recurring operational requirements of Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas, District Khyber.

The Committee was informed that following 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 Rs1,500 million for the Prime Minister National Health Programme (4th Revised) during PSDP 2025-26.

The programme, previously known as 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 Rs3,500 to Rs6,000 per person with effect from 01 February 2026, along with allocation of Rs578.838 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 allocation of additional grant for payment of outstanding liabilities under the Prime Minister Assistance Package. After detailed deliberation, the Committee approved Rs1 billion as Prime Minister Assistance Package, and directed the Railways Division to undertake a broader review of their pension liabilities.

The ECC also directed the Establishment Division to review the overall policy framework relating to the Prime Minister Assistance Package.

The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research for allocation of Rs1 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 meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Power Awais 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 relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory authorities.

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