• Expresses concern for unjustified edible oil prices despite the global fall
• Approve the RS72B Housing Subsidy for 50,000 low -income families
Islamabad: The Government raised serious concerns on Friday more than 29 percent of illegitimate gain in the Edible Petroleum and Ghee market and approved a subsidized housing scheme for 50,000 low -income families during the current fiscal year.
By chairing a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, the Minister of Finance, Muhammad Aurengzeb, was informed that international prices of edible oil and GHEE had decreased by 24 % in recent weeks, however, the local industry had not transmitted relief for consumers. In some cases, prices increased by 4-5pc due to weak market supervision.
The authorities said the local industry was devoted routinely due to lack of regulation. While the Ministry of Industries and Production assured ECC of the levels of appropriate national actions, he acknowledged that the limited transmission of international prices decreases to the domestic market.
The ECC directed the strict monitoring to stop pricing distortions and the possible cartelization, urging the Ministry of Industries to coordinate with the Pakistan Competition Commission, the National Price Monitoring Committee and Provincial Governments.
Subsidized housing scheme
The ECC approved a scheme of subsidy and exchange of risk to facilitate the financing of low -cost housing, and it is expected that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally will launch the program on August 14.
Initially planned for 200,000 units, the scheme will now be directed to 50,000 housing units (houses from five Marla or 1,360 square feet, for housing owners for the first time. Loans of up to RS2 million will be offered to a subsidized fixed rate of 5 pieces, and up processing rates or penalties for early payment.
The scheme includes a value relationship at 90:10 and a 10 -piece first loss risk risk for participating institutions, including commercial, Islamic and microfinance banks, as well as the housing construction finance corporation. It will be administered by the foundation of the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA-F).
The total subsidy for 20 years is estimated at RS72B, with RS3.93bn assigned for 2025–26. The disbursements are projected in RS100BN in the first year. The budget requirement will reach its maximum point at RS7.12 billion next year before reducing to RS2.26bn for fiscal year 36.
The ECC also ordered the Ministry of Housing and works to develop a centralized database of the housing sector in coordination with federal and provincial organizations for a better orientation and implementation. Three names for the scheme have been proposed: Apna Ghar-Roshan Mustqbil, Mera Khwab-Mere Aashiyana and Mera Ghar-Mel Jannat.
Steel sector policy: The ECC supported a report from the Ministry of Commerce on the promotion of the competitiveness of the steel sector under the national policy of rate 2025–30, with the aim of reducing production costs and promoting growth directed by exports.
RLNG Abigulation: ECC approved a summary to present an appeal in the Supreme Court against the decision of the Superior Court of Lahore to grant concessions of Gas/RLN rates to Ghani Glass Ltd. The Committee said that such concessions have been withdrawn from all sectors.
Green taxonomy: Pakistan’s green taxonomy was approved to help financial institutions identify climate -aligned projects, improve transparency in ecological investments and mitigate climate -related financial risks.
Skill bond guarantee: To promote skills development through results -based financing, ECC approved a sovereign RS1BN guarantee for the issuance of the Pakistan’s ability impact bonus (PSIB). The Ministry of Education was advised to explore public-private associations and reduce the dependence on government guarantees.
Radio -based service charges: The ministry of his proposal to review the positions of radio -based services, with directives for regular reviews every 3 to 5 years in line with economic and technological changes was approved.
State of the industry that breaks the ship: the ECC formally declared the break and recycling of ships as an industry. However, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs was asked to coordinate with the power division to evaluate the impact of the change of commercial power rates to industrialists.
Posted in Dawn, July 26, 2025
