ECC defers summary for next phase of Ehsas cash programme

The Economic Coordination Committee has put the fate of the Ehsas Cash Programme in jeopardy as it has deferred the summary for the release of the welfare programme, reported 24News HD TV channel.

The ECC meeting was held under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin in Islamabad on Friday. 

The ECC approved the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) regarding payment of different dues. 

However, the meeting deferred the summary for the release of Ehsas Emergency Cash Programme, Phase II, putting the welfare plan in the doldrums, revealed the sources.

Sources said Special Assistant Dr Sania Nishtar requested extra time for the analysis of data of different departments. 

So the meeting decided to present the summary for the Ehsas Emergency Cash Programme in the next session of the committee, sources added. 

The committee also deliberated on the suggestions regarding K-Electric payments. 

Sources said the economic committee allowed the signing of MoUs pertaining to the payment of dues. 

It also gave clearance to 8 imported cars of overseas Pakistanis, sources said and added the summary for the exemption of turnover tax in the special economic zone was deferred.

The approval for the supply of gas from Hoor I Field was also given. 

Sources said the committee approved the supplementary grant for housing and works, adding that a technical grant for industries and production ministry was also approved.

Apart from that, grants for the petroleum division and defence ministry were also approved, sources concluded.

Reporter Waqas Azeem