World Bank backs SIFC's regulatory reform drive

September 24, 2026 (MLN): The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the World Bank (WB) have discussed ongoing initiatives to improve Pakistan's business environment, streamline regulatory processes and facilitate private-sector activity, with the Bank assuring continued support for business facilitation and regulatory improvements.

SIFC Secretary Jameel Ahmad Qureshi held the talks on Thursday with a World Bank Group delegation, APP reported.

The meeting focused on the Asaan Karobar Framework, the Regulatory Registry and the Pakistan Business Portal, which are being pursued to simplify regulatory processes, improve coordination among institutions, reduce compliance burden and make it easier for businesses to deal with government.

The Asaan Karobar Framework offers a structured route to simplifying business-related regulations and improving the ease of doing business.

The Regulatory Registry aims to make applicable regulatory requirements clearer and easier to find, while the Pakistan Business Portal is meant to give businesses a more coordinated and accessible interface with government institutions.

The discussions also highlighted SIFC's whole-of-government approach to business and investment facilitation, which brings together federal, provincial and sectoral stakeholders to support coordinated implementation of reforms.

Engagement with provincial governments remains a key part of this approach, so that facilitation efforts run through wider institutional coordination.

The World Bank delegation praised SIFC's inclusive approach, particularly its engagement with the provinces, and acknowledged the importance of coordinated efforts to improve the regulatory and business climate.

SIFC said it was continuing to work towards a more streamlined, transparent and business-friendly environment by coordinating among government institutions and backing initiatives that cut procedural complexity for businesses.

It said these measures would give businesses and investors a more efficient framework, with clearer regulatory requirements, better institutional coordination and easier access to government facilitation mechanisms, and would support entrepreneurship, investment and sustainable private-sector-led economic activity in Pakistan.

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