Islamabad, December 13,2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday launched the National Regulatory Reforms framework, describing it as a “quantum jump” aimed at improving Pakistan’s business climate and accelerating economic growth, as key economic indicators show signs of recovery.
Addressing the launch ceremony, the prime minister said the reforms would facilitate business, industry, agriculture and foreign direct investment from Europe, the Far East and the Middle East, while reducing delays, inefficiencies and discretionary powers that had previously encouraged corruption and nepotism.
He said Pakistan had emerged from severe economic difficulties due to the collective efforts of the government and its economic team, noting that when the current administration assumed office, the country was on the brink of default, inflation was soaring, interest rates were crippling and business activity had come to a standstill.
Despite the challenges, he said, the government stabilised the economy through sustained hard work, planning and coordination over the past one and a half years, and was now focused on accelerating growth.
The prime minister also referred to the International Monetary Fund’s approval of a $1.2 billion tranche for Pakistan, saying excessive rules and complex procedures had previously caused serious damage to the business environment.
He appreciated coordination between federal and provincial governments and thanked the British government and International Development UK for their support, calling the United Kingdom a long-standing partner in Pakistan’s development. He also said Pakistan enjoyed strong relations with the United States and looked forward to further cooperation.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government was working to attract foreign investment in sectors of mutual benefit, including agriculture, information technology, and mines and minerals. Highlighting Pakistan’s large youth population, he added that vocational training with international certification was being provided to help young people secure productive employment at home and abroad.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar said the reforms marked a shift from a regulatory state to a developmental state and were part of a broader transformation focused on tariff rationalisation, regulatory modernisation and export-led industrial revival.
UK Minister of State for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman termed the reforms a positive step, highlighting Pakistan’s entrepreneurial potential, natural resources and growing role in global trade, and noted expanding trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
