Malaysia Visit Visa from Pakistan – Complete & Easy Guide 2026. Pakistan’s economic outlook showed positive signs this week as the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved fresh funding for several key sectors. The decision came after officials reviewed updated inflation data showing steady improvement.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance, and focused on balancing economic stability with targeted development spending.
Inflation Trends Show Improvement
During the meeting, the ECC received a detailed economic briefing from the Planning Ministry. Officials highlighted that inflation has slowed significantly in the current fiscal year.
- Inflation was 4.1% in July and 3.0% in August
- Temporary pressure appeared in September and October due to flood-related supply issues
- By November, inflation moderated to 6.1%
- Average inflation from July to November stood at 5.0%, down from 7.9% last year
Officials credited better fiscal discipline, market monitoring, and price-control measures for this improvement. Weekly data also showed that prices of several essential items had started to decline, giving some relief to households.
Major Funding Approved for Education and Skills
One of the key decisions was additional funding for education and skills development.
The ECC approved Rs. 5.76 billion for the Federal Education and Professional Training Division. This funding will support:
- Establishment of Danish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan
- Expansion of the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program through NAVTTC
However, the committee advised the ministry to explore public-private partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability rather than relying only on government budgets.
Housing and SDGs Development Projects
The Ministry of Housing and Works received approval for Rs. 5.19 billion in additional funds. The money will be used for development projects under the SDGs Achievement Program in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These projects aim to improve infrastructure while aligning with national development goals.
Boost for Tourism Sector
To support tourism growth, the ECC approved Rs. 170.4 million for the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) for the fiscal year 2025–26.
The committee directed PTDC to prepare a clear business plan outlining:
- Its role and governance structure
- Staffing needs
- Alignment with the national tourism strategy
The finance minister emphasized that any major decisions regarding PTDC must be backed by a strong business case and fit into broader reforms for state-owned enterprises.
Energy Sector Gets Major Financial Support
Energy efficiency and power sector stability were also high on the agenda.
The ECC approved:
- Changes to eligibility rules for the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Programme to improve energy savings
- Rs. 6.36 billion for SDGs-linked power projects across Punjab, Islamabad, Sindh, and KP
- Rs. 200 billion in equity support for power distribution companies (DISCOs) to address cash-flow problems
These steps aim to reduce electricity consumption and strengthen the power sector’s financial health.
Support for Affected Families and Security Operations
Addressing humanitarian concerns, the ECC approved Rs. 4.775 billion for 945 families of missing persons identified by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. Payments will be made under strict supervision and approved procedures.
The committee also approved:
- Rs. 79 million for maintenance of helicopters used by Frontier Corps Balochistan (North)
- Rs. 10.8 million for repair and maintenance of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) helicopters
Parliament Housing and Health Education Projects
On the Interior Ministry’s recommendation, the ECC endorsed a revised plan for constructing 104 additional family suites for Members of Parliament. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) was instructed to submit a long-term maintenance plan for government buildings.
In the health and defence education sector, approvals included:
- Rs. 40 million for SDGs-linked development projects under the Ministry of Defence
- Rs. 250 million for making King Hamad University of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences fully operational during the current financial year
