ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday granted in-principle approval for the restructuring of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), including the sale of a 30 percent stake and transfer of management control to the National Logistics Corporation (NLC).
The ECC meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, also approved the National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030, aimed at modernizing the gemstone sector, promoting value addition, and boosting exports, particularly from Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The Committee approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for the allocation of Rs3.915 billion through Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme through NAVTTC and the establishment of Danish Schools in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.
The ECC also approved two summaries submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, including Rs160 million for repair and maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office during FY2025-26 and Rs480 million for operational requirements of Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas in District Khyber.
The Committee was informed that following the closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), maintenance responsibilities for the Prime Minister’s Office had been transferred to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The ECC noted that the approved funds for the FC KP (North) Hospital would ensure uninterrupted healthcare and operational services for FC personnel, families of martyrs, and injured soldiers.
The ECC further approved Rs1.5 billion through TSG for the Prime Minister National Health Programme (4th Revised) during PSDP 2025-26. Previously known as the Sehat Sahulat Programme, the initiative is a fully government-funded social health protection programme aimed at expanding healthcare coverage and improving access to medical services.
In another decision, the ECC approved enhancement of the monthly subsistence allowance for Jammu and Kashmir refugees of 1989 from Rs3,500 to Rs6,000 per person with effect from February 1, 2026, along with allocation of Rs578.838 million through TSG until June 30, 2026.
The Committee also reviewed a summary submitted by the Ministry of Railways regarding outstanding liabilities under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package. After deliberations, the ECC approved Rs1 billion for the package and directed the Railways Division to conduct a broader review of pension liabilities. The Establishment Division was also instructed to examine the overall policy framework related to the assistance package.
Official sources revealed that Pakistan Railways currently faces pending employee-related liabilities amounting to Rs21.36 billion, including unpaid dues for retired and serving employees. Financial constraints have delayed pension payments and employee benefits, despite repeated requests by the Railways Ministry for additional grants.
The ECC also approved Rs1 billion through TSG for operationalization of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), established to strengthen food safety, livestock, plant health, and agro-chemical regulation in line with international standards and trade requirements.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan 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 senior officials from various ministries and regulatory authorities.
Story by Tahir Amin
