Business bodies raise regulatory concerns at SIFC session

January 16, 2026 (MLN): Key economic ministries and regulators were directed to resolve regulatory bottlenecks facing businesses after concerns were raised by trade bodies during an interactive session held under the platform of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The direction came during a meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani with leading representatives of Pakistan’s business community, where regulatory processes affecting the ease of doing business were flagged as a major challenge.

Representatives from APTMA, the Pakistan Business Council, FPCCI and chambers of commerce from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Quetta, Sarhad, Rawalpindi and Sialkot attended the session, according to the press release.

Representatives from SIFC, the Federal Board of Revenue, the State Bank of Pakistan and the ministries of commerce, industries, petroleum and power were also present.

Participants discussed key constraints and policy issues affecting business growth, with a focus on improving the investment and economic environment.

The minister reviewed progress on decisions taken in the previous meeting with the business community and noted steps already taken by relevant ministries and departments.

Further actions were agreed for issues that remain unresolved, as well as for new matters raised during the session.

Business representatives highlighted the importance of continued engagement to advance reforms and improve the ease of doing business, while acknowledging the role of SIFC in facilitating coordination.

The minister said the government would continue regular engagement with the business community through this forum.

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