ISLAMABAD: The Board of Investment (BoI) has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating both domestic and foreign investors as Pakistan continues to advance regulatory reforms, expand Special Economic Zones and simplify procedures to improve the ease of doing business across the country.
Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the government is actively working to create an investment-friendly environment through stable policy frameworks, regulatory simplification and targeted facilitation measures aimed at attracting long-term and sustainable investment. He said investor confidence depends on predictability, transparency and efficient institutional support, which the government is prioritising as part of its broader economic agenda.
According to a press release, the minister highlighted the Business Facilitation Center’s one-window operation as a key initiative designed to streamline approvals and regulatory clearances for investors. He said the facility is intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, shorten processing times and improve coordination among federal and provincial departments, making it easier for investors to navigate Pakistan’s regulatory landscape.
Providing context on Pakistan’s external economic engagement, Sheikh noted that more than 400 Pakistani companies participated in a business-to-business conference in China in September 2025. He said the strong turnout reflected sustained private-sector interest in building trade and investment linkages with international markets, particularly in Asia. According to him, such engagements are crucial for diversifying export destinations, attracting foreign capital and integrating Pakistani businesses into regional and global value chains.
The minister emphasised that political and economic stability remains central to sustaining investor confidence and achieving long-term economic growth. He stressed the importance of coordination among government institutions, the private sector and civil society to ensure that reforms are implemented effectively and deliver tangible outcomes for businesses and the wider economy.
These remarks were made during an interaction with a high-level delegation of the All Pakistan Newspapers and Electronic Media Employees Confederation (APNEC), which represents newspaper and electronic media workers across the country. The session began with the APNEC chairman introducing the delegation, while the federation’s leadership acknowledged the minister’s business and parliamentary background and his familiarity with Pakistan’s investment environment and economic challenges.
During the discussion, APNEC members raised questions related to the country’s economic outlook, investment policies and prospects for both local and foreign investors. They sought clarity on how ongoing reforms would translate into job creation, business expansion and improved economic stability, particularly in the context of rising costs and global uncertainty.
The delegation also presented concerns related to the welfare of media workers, including the implementation of the Journalists and Media Workers Bill, protection of minimum wages and job security in the media industry. They highlighted the financial pressures faced by media professionals and the need for stronger institutional safeguards to protect livelihoods and professional independence.
Responding to these concerns, the minister acknowledged the issues raised and said that a stable and secure media workforce is essential for democratic continuity and informed public discourse. He noted that the media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and ensuring transparency, and its economic sustainability should therefore be a national priority.
Sheikh also described the media as an important channel for projecting Pakistan’s economic progress, investment opportunities and development narrative to global audiences. He said accurate and responsible reporting can help counter negative perceptions and highlight reforms, success stories and emerging opportunities in key sectors of the economy.
Concluding the discussion, the minister reiterated that the Board of Investment remains committed to providing comprehensive support and facilitation to investors. He said the government aims to position Pakistan as a competitive destination for global capital by improving regulatory efficiency, strengthening institutional capacity and maintaining a consistent reform trajectory that supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
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