Following criticism from various sectors, the Prime Minister has executed a notable reversal by designating Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb as the Chairman of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
As per a notification released by the Cabinet Division on March 23, the ECC will be led by the Finance Minister as its chairperson, with the Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Power, Minister for Petroleum, and Minister for Planning serving as committee members.
The ECC has been vested with the authority to summon secretaries from nearly all ministries and departments, including the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue and Chairman Board of Investment.
Previously, reports indicated that the PM removed Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb from the helm of two pivotal committees, elevating Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to a prominent role in financial affairs.
Instead of appointing Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb as the ECC head, the PM opted to retain the chairmanship. However, Aurangzeb will preside over ECC meetings in the Prime Minister’s absence.
Aurangzeb’s sole chairmanship was bestowed upon the Cabinet Committee on State-owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), while Dar assumed the position of chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP), a role previously held by the finance minister.
