Govt seeks $10bn inflows, unveils business passport idea

April 14, 2026 (MLN): Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing the business community, has characterized Pakistan as one of the world's most profitable markets, asserting that the returns available domestically far exceed those in international markets like Dubai or Europe.

In a wide-ranging speech, Mohsin Naqvi called for a renewed partnership between the government and the private sector, emphasizing that the country's economic recovery hinges on mutual trust and the return of capital.

The Minister highlighted a significant "mistrust" between the government and businessmen, noting that while approximately $100 billion has left the country in the last three years, the current administration is focused on creating a business-friendly environment.

Mohsin Naqvi urged business leaders to bring back at least 20% to 30% of their offshore holdings via the Roshan Digital Account.

He set a target for the community to bring in $10 billion before the upcoming budget, promising that such a gesture would empower the government to advocate more strongly for business interests.

To address the persistent hurdles genuine businessmen face regarding international travel, Naqvi revealed a proposal for a separate “Business Passport.”

The passport would be issued to verified, high-contributing taxpayers, ensuring targeted access for those actively contributing to the economy.

To enhance global credibility, the government is in talks with embassies to ensure that holders of this passport receive expedited visa processing and better ratings.

The initiative aims to raise Pakistan's travel and business rating from the 90s into the 50–60 range within the next two years.

The minister invited the business community to capitalize on several upcoming projects, highlighting multiple investment opportunities across different sectors.

He announced the Islamabad Hotel Conference scheduled for April 21, where the government is offering land for joint ventures to build five to seven major hotels in Islamabad to meet rising demand. A 16-month tax holiday has also been promised for these projects.

He further shared plans for a new urban hub, describing a high-rise “Manhattan-style” development near Margalla, envisioned as a premier destination for overseas investors.

Speaking on tourism, Mohsin Naqvi expressed his vision to develop Astola Island in Balochistan into a world-class resort, noting that it has the potential to rival leading global destinations if developed properly.

On the aviation front, he expressed confidence that the business community’s involvement in PIA would help revitalize the national carrier by the end of the year.

Concluding his address, Mohsin Naqvi reminded the audience that the next three months are a "delicate turning point" for Pakistan as the government prepares a critical budget.

He reaffirmed that the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet are committed to being "business-friendly" and urged exporters to scale up their operations to stabilize the economy.

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