Also approves a grant of Rs 167.5 million to reward the Pakistan men’s under-19 cricket team for their outstanding performance in the Asia Cup final
The government has approved a supplementary budget to enable the army to acquire bulletproof vehicles for transporting school children in the restive Balochistan province. The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet approved an additional additional allocation of Rs2.1 billion for the purchase of these vehicles.
According to an official document released by the Ministry of Finance after the meeting, the ECC reviewed and approved a summary submitted by the Defense Division seeking additional grant funding for the purchase of bulletproof vehicles, citing operational imperatives and security-related requirements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier approved the allocation of funds for the purchase of 38 bulletproof roller coasters for school children in Balochistan. The military school network, the Army Public School, has been targeted in the past. These schools serve the children of military personnel as well as civilians across the country.
A major terrorist attack on a military public school took place in 2014, killing 144 children and injuring 114 others. The ECC was informed that the allocation of Rs2.1 billion would be in addition to the regular defense budget.
For the current fiscal year, the National Assembly approved a defense budget of Rs 2,550 billion. However, certain needs of the armed forces are often met outside the ordinary budgetary framework.
Last month, the ECC had also approved an additional budget of Rs50 billion for the armed forces to strengthen international border security, modernize naval bases and continue protection of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Of the total amount, Rs39 billion was allocated to the army and nearly Rs11 billion to the navy.
The ECC also approved an additional grant of Rs 167.5 million for awarding prize money to the Pakistan men’s under-19 cricket team in recognition of their outstanding performance, the Finance Ministry said. Each player in the under-19 team will get Rs 10 million, while seven match officials will get Rs 2.5 million each.
Pakistan dominated all three formats and beat arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, winning the title emphatically. The victory marked redemption for Pakistan, who had suffered a heavy defeat against the same opponents in the group stage and advanced to the final against an undefeated Indian team.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said such recognition not only recognizes sporting excellence but also serves as an encouragement to young talents representing the country with distinction at international forums. The ECC also 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 to the country, noting that his contributions extended far beyond his role as caretaker minister. He said major institutional and fiscal reforms implemented later were conceptualized during his tenure. The committee offered its sincere condolences to his bereaved family and colleagues.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar was widely known for her dedication and professionalism. She has served on the boards of several government organizations and also served as deputy secretary-general of the United Nations.
