Islamabad, July 24, 2026: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has expressed the government’s full support for the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ICCI) initiative to organise the Pakistan–Türkiye Business Opportunity Conference in Istanbul on August 13, 2026, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
He made the remarks during a meeting with an ICCI delegation led by President Sardar Tahir Mehmood. The delegation included ICCI Founder Group Chairman Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, former presidents Khalid Javaid, Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi and Sheikh Aamir Waheed, Executive Members Waseem Chaudhry, Imran Minhas and Zulqurnain Abbasi, and Secretary General Ghulam Murtaza.
Haroon Akhtar Khan praised ICCI’s initiative, saying it reflected the private sector’s proactive role in promoting economic diplomacy and expanding commercial ties with Türkiye. He confirmed his participation in the conference and assured the delegation that the government would extend full support to ensure the event’s success.
The SAPM said the government remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment and was gradually reducing the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent as part of broader economic reforms aimed at attracting investment, improving industrial competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic growth.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic vision focuses on reducing the cost of doing business, encouraging private sector investment and strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base.
Haroon Akhtar Khan also highlighted the importance of improving rail and transport connectivity with Central Asia, saying enhanced regional links would further strengthen Pakistan’s position as a regional trade hub. He suggested that ICCI should also organise future business delegations to other important international markets, including the United Kingdom, and assured full government support for such initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood thanked the SAPM for supporting the Pakistan–Türkiye Business Opportunity Conference. He said the event would provide an effective platform for business leaders, investors and policymakers from both countries to forge partnerships, promote joint ventures and expand bilateral trade.
He also highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s real estate and construction sector, noting that the industry supports around 50 allied sectors and plays a vital role in economic growth.
Haroon Akhtar Khan assured the delegation that he would personally raise the issues confronting the real estate and construction sector with the Prime Minister and advocate practical relief measures for the industry.
During the meeting, ICCI Founder Group Chairman Sheikh Tariq Sadiq also highlighted issues being faced by flour millers in Islamabad.
Both sides agreed to hold a joint press conference at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry next Tuesday to formally announce the Pakistan–Türkiye Business Opportunity Conference, which is expected to bring together leading business leaders, investors and policymakers from both countries and further promote bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation.
