ECC approves PIA bailout, multiple funding measures

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC approved a series of financial measures, including funding for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other institutions, according to an official statement.

Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the committee was briefed on recent economic indicators by the chief economist of the planning ministry, who said prices of essential commodities had begun stabilising after a period of volatility, supported by coordinated federal, provincial and district-level interventions.

The briefing said weekly data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) showed a slowdown in price increases after a temporary uptick, with several essential commodities — including tomatoes, onions, wheat flour, garlic, LPG and sugar — recording declines. Prices of items such as eggs, chicken, pulses, cooking oil, bread and milk saw only marginal increases.

Officials said improved supply chain monitoring and strengthened price oversight mechanisms, including the National Price Monitoring Committee, had helped contain inflationary pressures and improve market stability.

ECC Notes Emerging Price Stability, Easing Inflationary Pressures on Essential Commodities

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met today at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad… pic.twitter.com/DtUtGyRDTf

— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) April 27, 2026

The ECC said these trends reflected “gradual stabilisation” in prices, adding that continued coordination between federal and provincial authorities had improved the government’s ability to respond to localized disruptions.

“The combination of timely policy responses and strengthened monitoring mechanisms has begun to yield positive outcomes,” the statement said, adding that sustained efforts were needed to maintain price stability.

Funding approvals

The committee later approved a Rs100 million grant for the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority for operationalisation and infrastructure development, according to the statement.

It also approved Rs311 million for a special incentive package for civil service officers posted in Balochistan, and Rs372 million for the National Accountability Bureau to support digital transformation and artificial intelligence-based systems.

Separately, the ECC approved Rs30 million in rewards for Pakistan’s national hockey team for qualifying for the FIH Hockey World Cup after eight years.

PIA bailout package

The committee also approved Rs5.985 billion for Pakistan International Airlines Holding Company Limited to settle liabilities of the national flag carrier.

Of the total, funds were allocated for salary payments, pensions and medical reimbursements, while the issue of payments involving the National Insurance Company Limited was referred for adjustment in line with audit recommendations, the statement said.

Trade and regulatory decisions

The ECC approved amendments to the Import Policy Order to prohibit imports of goods produced through forced labour, aligning Pakistan’s trade rules with International Labour Organization conventions.

It also cleared amendments allowing a pilot scheme for the temporary import of used vehicles and auto parts for repair and refurbishment, with subsequent re-export, subject to review after one year.

Separately, the committee approved proposals related to the export of donkey meat and hides from Gwadar and disposal of existing inventories under applicable regulations.

A proposal related to power sector agreements was referred to a cabinet committee for further consideration.

The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers and officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.