SIFC advances Islamabad SEZ plan as business groups press for industrial infrastructure

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Islamabad SEZ plan progress

Highlights

SIFC is identifying land for a special economic zone in Islamabad, with Punjab government consultations ongoing and resolution expected soon.
Business groups demand a modern industrial estate and international-standard exhibition centre in Islamabad to boost industrial expansion, exports, and investment opportunities.
Policy and regulatory issues such as State Bank debt recovery regulations, high port charges, and administrative bottlenecks are hurting business confidence, with ICCI set to meet SIFC next week to review proposed reforms.

Islamabad SEZ planning and business demands

As reported by Business Recorder, the Special Investment Facilitation Council is identifying land for a special economic zone in Islamabad, with consultations under way with the Punjab government and the matter likely to be resolved at the earliest.

National Coordinator for SIFC Lieutenant General Asad ur Rehman Afzal Cheema states this during a Friday meeting with a delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia. The delegation raises challenges facing businesses in the federal capital and discusses measures to support industrialisation, investment and economic growth.

Zia stresses the need for a suitable site for a modern industrial estate in Islamabad, saying it would create fresh opportunities for industrial expansion, investment and employment. He also calls for an international-standard exhibition and convention centre in the capital to host domestic and overseas exhibitions, showcase Pakistani products, promote exports and improve local companies' access to foreign markets.

Investment climate and next steps for the private sector

The SIFC coordinator tells the delegation that the issues raised will be taken up with relevant authorities for resolution. He also backs the proposal for a state-of-the-art exhibition centre in Islamabad and points to the investment potential of the Karachi Industrial Estate, encouraging businesses to explore opportunities there.

The meeting also highlights policy and regulatory concerns affecting the business environment. Zia points to State Bank of Pakistan debt recovery regulations and high port charges as difficulties for businesses, while arguing that Pakistan needs a predictable economic policy framework with a minimum 10-year horizon to rebuild investor confidence and support long-term planning.

ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha raises issues linked to the Capital Development Authority and the Federal Board of Revenue, saying administrative and regulatory bottlenecks are hurting business activity and constraining private sector growth. The two sides also agree that an ICCI delegation representing different business and industrial sectors will visit the SIFC next week to review the council's initiatives to improve ease of doing business, promote investment and address private sector concerns.

Our earlier coverage of Pakistan’s push to expand priority-sector lending detailed government targets to raise credit for housing, agriculture and SMEs, alongside incentives for banks that improve lending performance. The piece also outlined planned regulatory reforms, risk-sharing tools and public-private partnerships aimed at removing structural barriers to credit and supporting broader economic growth.

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