ECC has approved a $160 million grant for defense projects this fiscal year.
Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a $160 million grant for defense projects this fiscal year. Led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the decision highlights ongoing debates about balancing security needs with public services like education and healthcare.
The funds include special allowances for the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and support for the Anti-Rabies Vaccine. Earlier this year, the government approved $215 million for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to fight militancy and raised the defense budget by 17.5%. The ECC also proposed raising ANF employees’ special allowance to match other federal agencies. Concerns about transparency in defense spending remain important.
