The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a special allocation of Rs20 billion for the counterterrorism initiative, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, for the fiscal year 2024-25. Additionally, the ECC sanctioned Rs1,951.995 million for security charges related to the Reko Diq Project, to be paid to Frontier Corps Balochistan (South).
Azm-i-Istehkam, which was given the green light by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in June with broad support from all stakeholders including provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is described as an enhanced national counterterrorism campaign. The initiative aims to integrate and streamline various efforts to tackle extremism and terrorism effectively.
Recently, the military’s media wing reported that a strong opposition group is resisting the revised National Action Plan and is working against the success of this counterterrorism campaign.
The ECC also conditionally approved the export of an additional 100,000 metric tons of sugar, as proposed by the industries and production ministry. The approval includes several conditions: extending the export period from 45 to 60 days due to procedural delays, requiring advance payment for exports to Afghanistan through banking channels, and allowing LC-based exports to other destinations within 60 days of LC opening. The retail price benchmark for sugar will not be linked to export permissions, and the quota revocation condition for non-payment of dues will apply only to non-compliant mills rather than the entire PMSA.
The ECC decided to monitor the market situation monthly and review decisions based on emerging needs. The Sugar Advisory Board is tasked with developing a comprehensive sugar policy within two months to address sector challenges and ensure sustainable growth.
Additionally, the ECC approved technical supplementary grants, including Rs276.250 million for the interior ministry to HQ Frontier Corps KP (N) TSG for Project Implementation Letters (PILs).
