ECC approves Rs6.6bn for bulletproof vehicles ahead of SCO summit

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved Rs6.6 billion for the purchase of 30 bulletproof vehicles ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The vehicles will be used for the movement of foreign heads of state during the summit. Pakistan is scheduled to host the SCO summit in September 2027.

The ECC meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Cabinet Division had requested Rs12.6 billion to purchase more than 50 bulletproof vehicles.

After reviewing the request, the committee approved funds for 30 vehicles. It also directed the Cabinet Division to conduct a detailed assessment before seeking funds for any additional vehicles.

The ECC also deferred a proposal concerning minimum indicative prices for tobacco and revised cess rates for the 2026-27 crop. The committee said the proposal needed further justification and directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to resubmit it.

The committee also approved the export of donkey meat and hides from the Gwadar Free Zone. The exports will be allowed under specified safeguards.

Meanwhile, the ECC extended gas supplies to Fatima Fertiliser and Agritech until September 30. The decision was taken to support fertiliser production amid the non-availability of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The committee also approved a Rs5 billion supplementary grant as seed money for the Daanish Schools Authority Fund. The fund will be maintained under an endowment framework.

The ECC further reviewed progress on the Pakistan Skills Impact Bond. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training was given until September 30, 2026, to provide a substantive progress report on the initiative.