ECC notes emerging price stability, approves supplementary grants

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) here on Monday noted improving price stability and easing inflationary pressures on essential commodities, highlighting declining trends in key indices, better supply-side coordination, and targeted policy actions

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Apr, 2026) The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) here on Monday noted improving price stability and easing inflationary pressures on essential commodities, highlighting declining trends in key indices, better supply-side coordination, and targeted policy actions.

The committee, which met under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also approved a series of fiscal measures and reforms to support economic stability and governance.

The committee was informed that following a period of volatility, recent data indicates gradual stabilization in prices supported by coordinated efforts at the federal, provincial, and district levels. Institutional mechanisms, particularly through the National Price Monitoring Committee, have strengthened market oversight and enabled timely interventions.

It was informed that inflationary pressures, while present, were showing signs of moderation, with emerging trends pointing toward improved price stability.

Weekly monitoring data reflects that, after a temporary uptick, the pace of increase in prices of essential items has slowed, with recent weeks showing a declining trend in the Sensitive Price Index (SPI). A number of essential commodities have witnessed price reductions while some have shown only marginal increases, indicating a broader easing in price pressures.

The ECC was further apprised that prices of key food and household items are gradually converging toward more stable levels, with some commodities returning close to pre-volatility benchmarks.

This trend has been attributed to effective administrative measures, improved supply chain monitoring, and enhanced coordination between federal and provincial authorities.

The committee noted with satisfaction that the combination of timely policy responses, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and coordinated implementation has begun to yield positive outcomes, with clear indications of stabilization in the prices of essential items and improved market sentiment.

Later, the ECC took up regular agenda items and approved a number of proposals, including Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs) across ministries and divisions.

These grants included Rs.100 million in favour of the Cannabis Control & Regulatory Authority (CCRA) under the Cabinet Division for renovation and operationalization of its facilities; Rs. 311 million in favour of the government of Balochistan under the Finance Division to support the Prime Minister–approved incentive package for PAS/PSP officers posted in the province; Rs.

372 million in favour of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under the Ministry of Law and Justice to support digital transformation and implementation of AI-based systems; and Rs. 30.00 million in favour of the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination for grant of financial rewards to the Pakistan National Hockey Team for qualifying for the FIH Hockey World Cup after eight years, as approved by the Prime Minister.

The ECC also discussed a summary submitted by the Ministry of Defence regarding allocation of Rs. 5.985 billion in favour of PIA Holding Company Limited (PIAHCL) for settlement of liabilities of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL).

Out of the total amount, the Committee approved funding for reimbursement of medical and pension payments as well as for salary disbursements and asked for taking up the matter regarding payment to the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) with the relevant revenue authority for adjustment, in line with the recommendations of auditors.

The ECC further approved a summary submitted by the Commerce Division for amendments to the Import Policy Order (IPO), 2022 in line with Pakistan’s commitments under International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions to introduce a prohibitory clause on import of goods produced through forced labour.

In another summary submitted by the Commerce Division, the ECC approved amendments to the Import-Cum-Export Scheme of IPO, 2022 and Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), 2021 to allow temporary import of used vehicles and auto parts for repair, refurbishment, and subsequent re-export under a pilot project, with directions for review after one year.

The ECC also considered a summary submitted by the National Food Security & Research Division seeking approval of recommendations regarding export of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar Donkey Slaughter House, and approved a proposal for disposal of existing inventory as per the applicable regulations and export protocols.

The ECC further considered a summary submitted by the Power Division regarding the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Agreement with Ex-WAPDA Distribution Companies (XWDISCOs) and asked for referring the matter to the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), for it being the suitable forum.