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ISLAMABAD — The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, convened today to deliberate on several significant economic and developmental decisions aimed at boosting industrial growth, enhancing Pakistan’s global outreach, and supporting environmental initiatives.
The meeting, attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, as well as federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries, concluded with approvals that carry implications for Pakistan’s economy, media, trade competitiveness, and climate diplomacy.
Rs. 2.8 Billion Grant for PTV’s English News Channel
In a major decision to enhance Pakistan’s media outreach to international audiences, the ECC approved a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 2,829 million for the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC).
The funds will be used to upgrade PTV’s English News Channel, improving broadcast quality, technological capabilities, and global competitiveness. The upgraded channel is expected to serve as a key platform for projecting Pakistan’s narrative and countering misinformation in the international media space.
However, the ECC emphasized the need for the Ministry to prepare a comprehensive business plan to ensure the channel’s financial sustainability. The objective is to reduce the broadcaster’s long-term dependence on federal funding and move towards a self-reliant operational model.
Boost for Leather Industry — Quarantine Certificate Requirement Removed
In a step aimed at facilitating exports and improving the competitiveness of Pakistan’s leather industry, the ECC approved the removal of the Health Quarantine Certificate requirement for the import and export of leather.
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Industry stakeholders had long argued that the certificate requirement was an unnecessary regulatory hurdle, often causing delays and additional costs. By eliminating this requirement, the government hopes to streamline trade procedures, improve export efficiency, and strengthen the sector’s position in the global market.
Pakistan’s leather industry, which contributes significantly to exports, is expected to benefit from enhanced ease of doing business and improved market access.
Funding for COP-30 Climate Diplomacy
The ECC also approved a Technical Supplementary Grant for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination for the financial year 2025–26.
The grant will facilitate Pakistan’s participation in the 30th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP-30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled to be held in Brazil later this year.
Participation in COP-30 is seen as crucial for Pakistan, a country highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, to advocate for climate financing, loss and damage support, and global environmental cooperation. The ECC stressed the importance of leveraging such international platforms to secure both technical and financial assistance for national climate resilience efforts.
Industrial Estate on Pakistan Steel Mills Land
In another significant decision, the ECC approved the development of an Industrial Estate on land belonging to the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi.
This initiative aims to revitalize dormant industrial potential, attract domestic and foreign investment, and generate employment opportunities. The conversion of unused PSM land into an active industrial hub is expected to support manufacturing growth and stimulate economic activity in the Karachi region.
The government sees the project as part of a broader industrial diversification strategy, where underutilized assets can be repurposed to serve productive economic functions.
Implementation and Follow-Up
Concluding the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored the importance of timely and effective implementation of the approved measures.
“These decisions are not just policy announcements — they must translate into real, measurable benefits for the economy and the people,” the minister said, directing relevant ministries to establish clear timelines and accountability mechanisms for execution.
The ECC emphasized the need for close monitoring of each project and policy change to ensure intended outcomes are achieved.
Significance of the Decisions
The set of approvals highlights the government’s multi-sectoral approach to economic management — from improving state media infrastructure for global outreach, to removing trade bottlenecks for exporters, to strengthening climate diplomacy, and unlocking industrial potential through strategic land use.
Analysts note that if implemented effectively, these measures could collectively boost investor confidence, enhance Pakistan’s soft power, and provide new growth opportunities across multiple sectors.
