Islamabad: The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has approved a technical supplementary grant of over 15 billion rupees to support development, defence, and digital initiatives. The approval was granted at the ECC meeting held in Islamabad, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the chair.

According to Radio Pakistan, the committee sanctioned two billion rupees for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme in Punjab and 5.081 billion rupees for defence services. These funds will be directed towards capacity enhancement, infrastructure development, community engagement, and cybersecurity.

The ECC also approved 322.87 million rupees for the provision of 15 coasters for the Directorate General of Special Education. This initiative is aimed at facilitating the transport of special children enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence, which is being set up in Islamabad. The Centre is designed to cater to at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing a safe and enabling learning environment.

Furthermore, the ECC sanctioned 800 million rupees for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad. In addition, it allocated 3.7 billion rupees for Public Sector Development Programme projects focused on strengthening digital connectivity, enhancing IT infrastructure, promoting e-governance, and supporting the development of the national ICT ecosystem.

The committee also allocated three billion rupees for the establishment of Digital Enforcement Stations along the Indus, Hub, and Balochistan rivers. Lastly, the ECC approved 700 million rupees for the Film and Drama Finance Fund. This initiative aims to bolster Pakistan's film and drama industry and support the country's strategic narrative at national and international forums through responsible, high-quality screen content.