ISLAMABAD:
The government on Tuesday approved a supplementary budget to enable the army to acquire bulletproof vehicles for transporting school children in Balochistan, according to an official document released by the Finance Ministry.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved a supplementary budget of Rs 2.1 billion after reviewing a summary submitted by the Defense Division.
The ECC approved the summary of a supplemental technical grant for the procurement of bulletproof vehicles, noting operational imperatives and security requirements. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already cleared allocation of funds for purchasing 38 bulletproof roller coasters for school children in Balochistan.
The military school chain – the Army Public School (APS) – has been targeted in the past. Children of military personnel and civilians study in these schools across the country. The major terrorist attack on the APS in 2014 left 144 dead and 114 children injured.
The ECC was informed that the allocation of Rs2.1 billion would be in addition to the regular defense budget for the current financial year. The National Assembly had approved a defense budget of 2.55 trillion rupees. However, certain operational needs of the armed forces are often met outside the regular budget.
Meanwhile, the ECC approved an additional grant of Rs 167.5 million as a reward for the Pakistan men’s under-19 cricket team, recognizing its outstanding performance and international achievements, according to the Finance Ministry. Each member of the under-19 team will receive Rs 10 million, while seven match officials will receive Rs 2.5 million each.
Pakistan dominated all three formats and beat arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the U-19 Asia Cup final, emphatically winning the prestigious title. The victory also marked redemption for Pakistan, who had suffered a heavy defeat against the same opponents in the group stage and entered the final as underdogs against an undefeated Indian team.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb observed that such recognition of the cricket team not only recognizes sporting excellence but also encourages young talents representing the country at international platforms.
Initially, the ECC offered Fateha for the departed soul of former two-time Finance Minister and former Governor of State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar. Paying tribute, Aurangzeb recognized his distinguished services, noting that his contributions went beyond his role as caretaker minister.
He highlighted that the major institutional and fiscal reforms subsequently implemented were conceptualized during his tenure, and observed that his leadership and vision would continue to have a positive impact on economic governance. The ECC extended its sincere condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues.
Dr. Shamshad was known for her dedication and hands-on approach. She has served on the boards of numerous government companies and also served as deputy secretary-general of the United Nations.
