ECC approves grants, notes gradual stabilization in prices

April 28, 2026 (MLN):  The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) have noted encouraging signs of stabilization in prices of essential commodities and a moderation in inflationary pressures, attributing the improvement to coordinated efforts across federal, provincial, and district administrations.

Briefed by the Chief Economist of the Ministry of Planning, the committee was informed that after a period of volatility, recent data shows a declining trend in the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), reflecting easing price pressures, according to a press release issued.

Prices of key items such as tomatoes, onions, wheat flour, garlic, LPG, and sugar have decreased, while staples including eggs, chicken, pulses, cooking oil, bread, and milk have seen only marginal increases.

The ECC highlighted that strengthened institutional mechanisms particularly the National Price Monitoring Committee along with improved supply chain oversight and timely interventions, have helped stabilize markets.

It emphasized the need to sustain these efforts to maintain price stability, protect consumers, and ensure macroeconomic balance.

Meeting at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ECC approved several Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs), including Rs100 million for the Cannabis Control & Regulatory Authority, Rs311 million for the Government of Balochistan to support incentives for PAS/PSP officers, Rs372 million for the National Accountability Bureau’s digital transformation and AI systems, and Rs30 million as rewards for the national hockey team’s qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup.

It also partially approved a Rs5.985 billion allocation for Pakistan International Airlines liabilities, covering pensions, medical payments, and salaries, while deferring a portion related to NICL pending adjustment with revenue authorities.

The committee endorsed amendments to the Import Policy Order, 2022 to ban imports of goods produced through forced labour in line with International Labour Organization commitments, and approved a pilot scheme allowing temporary import of used vehicles and auto parts for refurbishment and re-export.

Additionally, it cleared the disposal and export of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar under regulations, and referred the Public Service Obligation agreement with XWDISCOs to the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises.

The meeting was attended by key ministers including Jam Kamal Khan, Awais Leghari, and Rana Tanveer Hussain, along with senior officials.

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