ECC directs urgent coordination to contain inflation

October 24, 2025 (MLN): The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has directed all relevant ministries and provincial authorities to ensure urgent and coordinated measures to control inflation and stabilize prices amid post-flood disruptions.

The directive came after the ECC reviewed a detailed presentation on inflation trends and price movements by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, Chief Economist at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The report revealed that inflation rose to 5.6% in September 2025 as floods damaged agricultural land and livestock, disrupting supply chains and pushing food prices higher.

The Committee noted that while prices of chicken, rice, and LPG had eased, essential items such as sugar, beef, cooking oil, and ghee registered significant increases.

It endorsed the recommendations of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), which include enhanced coordination between federal and provincial governments, sensitivity analysis of global price impacts, and targeted agricultural credit for farmers in flood-affected areas.

The ECC also directed the Competition Commission of Pakistan to probe possible cartelization in the edible oil and ghee markets and urged provinces to utilize the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ Decision Support System for improved market oversight.

Preparations for a comprehensive Ramzan price stabilization plan were also reviewed.

Chairing the meeting, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that protecting the purchasing power of citizens and ensuring timely policy interventions were essential to maintaining overall market stability.

The Finance Minister appreciated the comprehensive analysis and directed all concerned ministries and provincial authorities to ensure effective implementation of the recommended measures for price stabilization and inflation control.

He emphasized the importance of sustained monitoring, enhanced coordination among relevant agencies, and timely interventions to safeguard the purchasing power of the public and ensure overall market stability. 

Later on, the ECC took up regular agenda of the meeting and reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of Commerce on improving the Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) framework under the Import Policy Order 2022.

The Committee approved measures to allow accredited and registered PSI agencies to conduct inspections in line with the policy. 

The ECC also considered a summary submitted by the Commerce Division regarding proposed amendments to the procedure for import of vehicles under the Personal Baggage, Transfer of Residence, and Gift Schemes (Appendix-E) of the Import Policy Order, 2022.

After detailed deliberations on various aspects of the proposal, the Committee directed the Commerce Division to undertake further consultations with relevant stakeholders and resubmit the proposal.

The ECC also reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of Commerce on the import and export policy for precious metals and jewellery.

The Committee approved continuation of the existing framework with enhanced transparency and automation measures to improve efficiency and traceability.

Two summaries presented by the Defence Division were also considered.

The ECC approved a TSG of Rs 2.500 billion for the establishment of the Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park under the Pakistan Navy.

It also approved another TSG equivalent to AED 45 million available in rupee cover with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to settle an overdraft facility utilized by the FWO for its overseas construction operations in the United Arab Emirates.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) approached the ECC for a TSG amounting to Rs 455.984 million to meet expenditures related to the conduct of Local Government Elections during FY 2025–26, which the Committee approved.

Similarly, the Finance Division’s request for a TSG of Rs 112.118 million for the installation of individual electricity meters in the Pakistan Mint Residential Colony was also approved.

Finally, the ECC considered and approved a summary from the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control seeking a TSG of Rs 21.500 million for the procurement of spare parts for helicopter maintenance by Headquarters Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) during the current fiscal year.

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