KARACHI: Pakistan’s top economic decision-making body approved a series of supplementary grants on Tuesday, while paying tribute to former finance minister and ex-central bank governor Shamshad Akhtar, whose reforms continue to shape the country’s economic framework.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, chaired by Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, cleared technical supplementary grants covering rewards for the national under-19 cricket team and the procurement of bullet-proof vehicles, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.
At the start of proceedings, the committee offered prayers for Akhtar, who served as finance minister during the caretaker administration and previously headed the State Bank of Pakistan. Aurangzeb said her contributions extended well beyond her interim role, noting that several institutional and tax policy reforms implemented in subsequent years were conceived during her tenure.
“Her leadership and vision will continue to have a lasting impact on Pakistan’s economic governance,” he said, extending condolences to her family and colleagues.
The ECC later approved a summary submitted by the Cabinet Division for a technical supplementary grant to award prize money to Pakistan’s under-19 men’s cricket team, recognising its recent international success. Aurangzeb said such acknowledgements help encourage young talent and reinforce the country’s presence on global sporting platforms.
The committee also endorsed a proposal from the Defence Division seeking approval for a technical supplementary grant to procure bullet-proof vehicles, citing operational and security requirements.
The meeting was attended by ministers overseeing power, petroleum and investment portfolios, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
