ECC okays Rs3bn relief for G-B flood victims, partial grant for PTV

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Tuesday approved Rs3 billion in emergency relief for flood victims in Gilgit-Baltistan, alongside partial financial support for Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) and a settlement framework for recovery of petroleum levy arrears.

The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, cleared funds for tents, medicines, food supplies and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in Ghizer and other affected districts, in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives during his recent visit.

The summary for seeking relief for flood victims was submitted by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions.

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Moreover, the ECC also approved Rs3.8bn out of the Rs11bn sought by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for PTV, with the remainder to be released on a quarterly basis.

While approving the request, the committee underscored that it was imperative for PTV to reduce its reliance on budgetary support and chart a path towards self-sustainability.

Separately, the committee authorised the Petroleum Division to finalise a settlement with Cnergyico PK Limited for recovery of petroleum levy dues pending since 2019.

It directed that the entire outstanding amount of petroleum levy be recovered strictly in accordance with the terms of the settlement.

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The forum further approved a mechanism to transfer benefits from levies collected on captive power generation to grid consumers, and cleared terms for the Machike-Thallian Tarrujabba White Oil Pipeline project being developed with Azerbaijan.

The committee members said the launch of this strategic project will further strengthen bilateral friendship, trade, and investment ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, and other Members of the body, including federal secretaries, representatives from relevant regulatory bodies, and senior officials of concerned Ministries and Divisions.

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