Islamabad, March 14, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting businesses, increasing investments, and boosting exports to achieve sustainable economic progress.
Speaking to a delegation of prominent businessmen, the prime minister stressed that a comprehensive scheme for long-term investment in Pakistan should be introduced. He also announced the formation of a committee on export facilitation, which will soon present its recommendations for approval.
Sharif noted that Pakistan’s economy, after achieving stability, was now on a fast track to progress due to the efforts of the government’s economic team. He called for collective efforts to strengthen the economy, emphasizing that resolving business community issues remains a top priority.
The prime minister highlighted several government initiatives to facilitate businesses, including digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and tax reforms, Faceless Customs Clearance System, which has significantly reduced container clearance time at ports, vocational training programs to develop skilled manpower for industries and integration of all professional training institutions under one system for efficiency.
Members of the business delegation praised the government’s economic policies, particularly the Uraan Pakistan program and its focus on industrial and agricultural growth. They also welcomed initiatives such as sending 1,000 students to China for advanced training, which they said would contribute to Pakistan’s human resource development.
The delegation also acknowledged improvements in revenue generation and efforts to curb inflation. They thanked the prime minister for consulting the business community in economic policymaking, particularly during the budget formulation process.
Sharif instructed relevant ministries to consult with business leaders and draft a policy strategy based on their recommendations.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and Coordinator to the PM Rana Ihsaan Afzal, along with senior government officials.
