The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Pakistan has approved a supplementary grant of Rs 1.8 billion to refurbish the engines of two VVIP aircraft used by the President and Prime Minister for state duties. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Funding for VVIP Aircraft
- The grant is specifically designated for the Ministry of Defence.
- The two aircraft are essential for official travel by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- The refurbishment is crucial to ensure the aircraft remain operational for government functions.
Wheat Allocation for Food Security
In addition to the aircraft funding, the ECC addressed concerns regarding food security. The committee reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research to allocate both domestic and imported wheat to regions facing shortages in the 2024-25 food year.
Key Decisions on Wheat Allocation
- Allocation Strategy: Wheat stocks will be distributed based on a pre-decided ratio from a February 2024 meeting.
- Quality Control: All wheat provided to agencies must be tested for quality and safety before distribution.
- Commitment Fulfillment: Regions experiencing wheat deficits will receive supplies according to their confirmed demands.
Context and Implications
This financial support for the VVIP aircraft comes at a time when the government is also focusing on agricultural stability amid rising food security concerns. The ECC’s decisions highlight the dual challenges of maintaining government operations while ensuring essential food supplies.
