Islamabad, April 26, 2026: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has welcomed recent government initiatives to promote tourism and strengthen the hospitality sector, but stressed the need for equal growth opportunities across all segments of the economy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, he appreciated efforts led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi aimed at enhancing tourism and improving Islamabad’s global image, terming them a positive step toward boosting economic activity.
He noted that incentives for the hotel industry, coupled with ongoing beautification efforts in the federal capital, would significantly enhance the city’s appeal for both domestic and international tourists. These measures, he said, are expected to generate employment, attract investment, and stimulate broader economic growth.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood particularly lauded the relief measures introduced by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), including the rationalization and rebate in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges for hotel projects. He observed that such policies would facilitate vertical development and encourage new investments in the hospitality sector.
Referring to the government’s vision of developing a new ultra-modern city modeled on global hubs such as Manhattan and Shanghai, he described the initiative as ambitious and forward-looking, with the potential to transform Islamabad into a world-class economic center.
However, the ICCI president emphasized that while these incentives are commendable, policy consistency and fairness must be ensured across all sectors, particularly real estate and construction.
“Economic policies must not create imbalance. Stakeholders from other sectors equally have the right to sustain their businesses, expand operations, and benefit from facilitative measures,” he stated.
He expressed concern that similar relief in FAR and regulatory frameworks has not been extended to the broader construction and real estate sector. “If the objective is to boost investment, promote urban development, and create employment opportunities, then incentives must be inclusive rather than selective,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of the construction and real estate sector, Sardar Tahir Mehmood said it serves as a backbone of economic activity with strong linkages to multiple allied industries. He urged the government to extend comparable incentives, including rationalization of FAR and related charges, to ensure balanced and sustainable growth.
Reaffirming ICCI’s support for tourism promotion and urban beautification initiatives, he stressed that a level playing field is essential to unlocking the full economic potential of all sectors.
He further called for inclusive and consultative policymaking to ensure reforms remain equitable, transparent, and conducive to long-term investment and national development.
