The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the transfer of management control, through sale of 30% shareholding in the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), to the National Logistics Corporation (NLC).
In a statement, the Finance Ministry said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting, which reviewed several summaries, approving seven supplementary grants of around Rs. 8.634 billion. It said the ECC had granted “in-principle approval” for the restructuring of the PNSC through sale of 30% shareholding and transfer of management control to the NLC, on a summary submitted by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
“The ECC directed the concerned authorities to expedite the process in view of tapping the emerging maritime and transshipment opportunities,” it added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the decision in February.
During the meeting, the cabinet body also approved a request of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan to enhance the monthly subsistence/Guzara allowance for Jammu and Kashmir refugees of 1989 from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000 per person, with effect from Feb. 1, 2026. It further approved a supplementary grant of Rs. 578.838 million for the period ending June 30, 2026 and directed the ministry to take up future budgetary requirements with the Finance Division for the next budget cycle.
The ECC approved two summaries moved by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control; Rs. 160 million for the repair and maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office in FY26 and Rs. 480 million for recurring operational requirements of Frontier Corps KP (North) Hospital at Shakas in Khyber district.
The statement noted the ECC was informed that maintenance of the Prime Minister’s Office was under the purview of the Capital Development Authority after the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department. It said the approved allocation for the FC KP hospital would support uninterrupted provision of healthcare and operational services for FC personnel, families of Shuhadas, and injured soldiers.
The ECC approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for allocation of Rs. 3,915.24 million through Technical Supplementary Grant for the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Program through NAVTTC and the establishment of Danish Schools in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.
The cabinet body approved another Rs. 1.5 billion grant to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination for the Prime Minister’s National Health Program during PSDP2025-26. The ECC further granted Rs. 1 billion to the Ministry of Railways for payment of outstanding liabilities under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package and directed the Railways Division to undertake a review of its pension liabilities. It also directed the Establishment Division to review the overall policy framework relating to the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package.
The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for allocation of Rs. 1 billion through a technical supplementary grant for operationalization of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority. The authority aims to strengthen regulatory oversight relating to food safety, plant health, livestock, and agro-chemicals in line with international standards and trade requirements.
The ECC also approved the National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–2030, submitted by the Industries and Production Division. The policy seeks to formalize the gemstone sector, promote value addition and modern mining practices, and enhance exports and regional economic development, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.