Minister convenes interactive session: Trade bodies raise concerns over challenges in regulatory processes

ISLAMABAD: Business community on Thursday voiced serious concerns over challenges in regulatory processes affecting ease of doing business in Pakistan.

The Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani convened an interactive session, as continuation of series of engagements with the leading representatives of Pakistan’s business community, under the auspices of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The interactive session was attended by the presidents and representatives of APTMA, PBC, FPCCI, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Quetta, Sarhad, Rawalpindi and Sialkot Chambers of Commerce & Industries, while representatives from SIFC, FBR, SBP, Ministries of Commerce, Industries, Petroleum and Power were also present.The session focused on key constraints and policy challenges affecting business growth In Pakistan, with emphasis on improving the overall economic and investment climate.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards providing a stable, transparent and predictable policy framework to support private sector-led growth. He emphasised that sustained economic recovery and export-led growth remain central to the government’s strategy, supported by strong public–private collaboration and institutional facilitation.

Participants lauded the proactive and solution-oriented role of the SIFC in easing business operations and fostering investor confidence. The business community underscored the value of continued dialogue in advancing reforms and improving the ease of doing business.

The business community also voiced concerns over challenges in regulatory processes affecting ease of doing business in Pakistan. The minister acknowledged these challenges and directed the concerned ministries and departments to undertake coordinated measures for swift and effective resolution.

The minister also reviewed the progress on decisions taken during last meeting with business community and appreciated the efforts by concerned ministries/ departments for the matters addressed through the forum, while distinct next steps Were agreed upon for effective resolution of remaining matters and fresh issues raised in today’s meeting.

The minister reassured the continuity of constructive and regular engagement with business community through this platform.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026