KARACHI, October 28, 2026 – Adviser to the Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with a delegation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Sindh provincial ministers, addressed a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday. He highlighted the government’s commitment to facilitating the business community, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities through regulatory reforms.
The Federal Minister lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for introducing the Asaan Karobar Act, 2025, aimed at simplifying business regulations, reducing compliance requirements and making it easier for the business community and investors to establish and expand their businesses in Pakistan.“The time has come to bring prosperity through business and investment in Pakistan. After making progress towards macroeconomic stability, our focus is now on creating opportunities for businesses, generating employment and strengthening the national economy,” Haroon Akhtar Khan said.
He further explained that the federal government’s regulatory reform framework envisions the establishment of the Pakistan Regulatory Registry and Pakistan Business Portal to streamline procedures and reduce unnecessary regulatory hurdles. He added that the initiative was intended to create a more facilitative environment for businesses across the country.Highlighting the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Federal Minister underscored its contribution to coordinating regulatory reforms, facilitating intergovernmental collaboration and addressing procedural bottlenecks affecting investors and businesses.
Through its coordination mechanism, SIFC supports efforts to streamline regulatory processes, improve the investment climate and facilitate the implementation of business-friendly reforms in collaboration with relevant federal and provincial stakeholders. These measures are aimed at reducing barriers to investment, improving ease of doing business and unlocking Pakistan’s economic potential.Highlighting Sindh’s importance, the Federal Minister said Karachi, as Pakistan’s financial and commercial hub, would be central to implementing reforms that could encourage investment opportunities, facilitate trade and attract international investors.He appreciated the support of President Asif Ali Zardari, PPPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in advancing business development and economic progress. He also acknowledged the cooperation between the federal and provincial governments in creating a conducive investment environment to boost the country’s economy.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan’s growing international profile, including its role in promoting peace and facilitating dialogue amid Middle East regional tensions, presented an opportunity to strengthen investor confidence and attract global businesses.He further highlighted the role of Special Economic Zones in addressing challenges faced by the business community, particularly those relating to land ownership and access. Under the proposed lease-based land model, he said, businesses would have improved opportunities to establish operations within these zones, facilitating industrial development and investment.Sindh Minister for Irrigation, Planning and Development Jam Khan Shoro welcomed the federal government’s initiatives, saying coordinated reforms were essential to supporting businesses, exporters and importers.“These initiatives will help create a more conducive environment for the business community, enabling exporters and importers to expand their operations, strengthen trade and explore new opportunities in international markets,” Jam Khan Shoro said.Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries and Production Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan said the federal government, in collaboration with the provincial government, was prioritising development-oriented initiatives to improve connectivity and strengthen economic activity.He highlighted ongoing road and rail connectivity projects linking Karachi with other parts of the country, noting that improved access to the port city would facilitate transportation, trade and industrial growth.“Better road and rail connectivity will strengthen Karachi’s links with the rest of Pakistan, improve access to the port and support economic activity by facilitating the movement of goods and trade,” Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan said.
The speakers emphasised that sustained federal-provincial coordination, simplified regulations and improved infrastructure would facilitate investment, expand business activity and support Pakistan’s long-term economic growth. They reiterated that coordinated efforts, including SIFC’s facilitation role, would remain important in advancing regulatory reforms, addressing investment-related challenges and creating a more competitive and business-friendly environment across Pakistan.
