ECC approves emergency funds to tackle coronavirus

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved emergency funds in order to deal with the coronavirus which has claimed nine lives in the country.

In this regard, Adviser to PM on finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired the meeting of ECC today (Thursday) and approved the release of Rs5 billion funds to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

According to details, funds provided to NDMA will be used in acquiring logistics and important basic equipment.

The statement further said that a supplementary grant worth $532,152 was also approved for the NADRA project in federally administered tribal areas (FATA).

“Rs5500 million was approved for sustainable development goals program,” the statement said, adding that a supplementary grant of Rs275 million was also approved for the Ministry of Housing and Works.

The tariff for different categories will be raised by Rs 1.9 to Rs 2.89 per kilowatt. However, the notification for this increase will be issued after three months.

The statement also said that a committee for the national electric-vehicles policy has been set up which will give its recommendations within a month.

“Officials have been directed to coordinate with Balochistan government on LPG air mix projects,” ECC statement said.