It also approves a grant of Rs 167.5 million to reward the Pakistan U-19 men’s cricket team for its stellar performance in the Asia Cup final.
The government has approved an additional budget for the army to procure bullet-proof vehicles for transporting schoolchildren in the restive province of Balochistan. The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet approved an additional supplementary allocation of Rs 2.1 billion for the purchase of these vehicles.
According to an official handout issued by the Ministry of Finance after the meeting, the ECC reviewed and approved a summary submitted by the Defense Division requesting a supplementary grant for the procurement of bulletproof vehicles, citing operational imperatives and security-related requirements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier approved the allocation of funds for the procurement of 38 bulletproof roller coasters for school children in Balochistan. The military school network, the Army Public School, has been the target of attacks in the past. These schools serve children of military personnel and civilians from all over the country.
A major terrorist attack on an army public school took place in 2014, killing 144 children and injuring 114 others. The ECC was informed that the allocation of Rs 2.1 billion would be additional and exceed the regular defense budget.
For the current fiscal year, the National Assembly has approved a defense budget of Rs 2.55 trillion. However, some needs of the armed forces are often met outside the regular budget framework.
Last month, the ECC also approved a supplementary budget of Rs 50 billion for the armed forces to strengthen security at international borders, upgrade naval bases and continue protection of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Of the total amount, Rs 39 billion was allocated to the army and nearly Rs 11 billion to the navy.
The ECC also approved a supplementary grant of Rs 167.5 million to provide prize money to the Pakistan U-19 men’s cricket team in recognition of its outstanding performance, the Finance Ministry said. Each player in the under-19 team will receive Rs 10 million, while seven referees will receive Rs 2.5 million each.
Pakistan dominated all three formats and defeated arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup, clinching the title in convincing fashion. The victory was a redemption for Pakistan, who had suffered a tough defeat against the same rival in the group stage and reached the final against an undefeated Indian team.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that this recognition not only recognizes sporting excellence but also serves as an encouragement to young talents who represent the country with distinction in international forums. The ECC also offered Fateha for the departed soul of former Finance Minister and former State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar.
Paying tribute, Aurangzeb acknowledged her distinguished service to the country and noted that her contributions went far beyond her role as caretaker minister. He said key institutional and fiscal policy reforms implemented subsequently were conceptualized during his tenure. The committee expressed its deepest condolences to his bereaved family and colleagues.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar was widely known for her dedication and professionalism. She served on the boards of several government organizations and also served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
