ECNEC approves Rs32b plan to fight locusts Pakistan will take a $200 million loan from the World Bank to fight locusts Record numbers of locusts have descended in devastating swarms across parts of Africa and Asia this year. PHOTO: AFP/FILE ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday approved 13 mega projects costing Rs322 billion, including Rs32 billion plan to fight locusts despite serious questions over the viability of the scheme. Headed by Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the mega development projects. “The Locust Emergency and Food Security Project (LEAFS) that probably needed time before arriving at a decision was approved in about one minute,” said a source in the Planning Ministry.