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Adviser to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan has highlighted reforms to facilitate businesses, attract investment and create jobs in Sindh. He addressed a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday alongside a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) delegation and Sindh provincial ministers.
Khan stressed the federal government’s commitment to simplifying regulations and improving the investment climate. Stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities, he said, would help businesses expand and support economic growth.
Khan praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for introducing the Asaan Karobar Act, 2025. The legislation aims to simplify business regulations, reduce compliance requirements and make it easier for investors to establish and expand businesses.
“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,” Khan said.
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He also outlined plans for a Pakistan Regulatory Registry and Pakistan Business Portal. Both initiatives aim to streamline procedures and remove unnecessary regulatory hurdles.
According to Khan, these measures would create a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs, investors and companies across Pakistan.
Khan highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in coordinating reforms and addressing investment barriers.
The SIFC provides a platform for cooperation between federal and provincial stakeholders. Its responsibilities include supporting regulatory improvements, strengthening coordination and helping resolve procedural challenges faced by businesses.
Through these efforts, the government aims to reduce investment barriers and improve the ease of doing business. Officials also expect coordinated reforms to help unlock Pakistan’s economic potential.
Describing Karachi as Pakistan’s financial and commercial hub, Khan emphasised the city’s importance to the reform agenda. He said the measures could encourage investment, facilitate trade and attract international businesses.
He acknowledged the support of President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. Khan also stressed the need for continued cooperation between federal and provincial authorities.
Pakistan’s international engagement could provide further opportunities to attract investors, he added. This includes efforts to promote peace and dialogue amid tensions in the Middle East.
Khan also discussed the role of Special Economic Zones in addressing business challenges. He highlighted land ownership and access as issues that can affect industrial investment.
Under a proposed lease-based land model, businesses could find it easier to establish operations within designated economic zones. The approach aims to support industrial development and encourage new investment.
However, the model’s impact will depend on its final design and implementation.
Sindh Minister for Irrigation, Planning and Development Jam Khan Shoro welcomed the federal government’s initiatives.
He said coordinated reforms were essential to supporting businesses, exporters and importers. Such measures could help companies expand operations and explore opportunities in international markets.
“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,” Shoro said.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries and Production Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan highlighted the importance of infrastructure development.
He said federal and provincial authorities were prioritising projects to improve connectivity and strengthen economic activity. Road and rail links connecting Karachi with other parts of Pakistan were among the initiatives he highlighted.
“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.
Improved transport links could reduce logistical barriers and support the movement of goods. Better access to Karachi’s port facilities could also benefit domestic trade and international commerce.
The speakers emphasised the importance of regulatory simplification, infrastructure development and sustained cooperation. Together, these measures could help improve Pakistan’s business environment.
They reiterated that federal and provincial authorities would continue working with the SIFC to address investment challenges and support business expansion.
The proposed reforms aim to attract investment, create employment and strengthen long-term economic growth. Their success will depend on effective implementation and the removal of practical barriers faced by businesses.
