Islamabad, October 3, 2026: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia has called for the establishment of a world-class Expo Centre in Islamabad to showcase Pakistan’s products, export potential and investment opportunities to the international community.
In an interview on Saturday, he said the federal capital should be developed into a modern and vibrant business hub, adding that ICCI would take the lead in working with the government and relevant stakeholders to transform Islamabad into a model business-friendly city.
Referring to his election with an overwhelming mandate, Zikria Zia said the confidence reposed in him by the business community carried a great responsibility. He said his foremost objective was to translate that trust into practical achievements and deliver meaningful results for the trade and business community.
“My foremost objective is to deliver for the trade and business community in a meaningful and result-oriented manner and to further strengthen the voice of ICCI,” he said.
The ICCI president said Islamabad urgently needed a new and modern industrial area, as the existing industrial estate had reached its capacity and could no longer adequately meet the requirements of expanding businesses.
He expressed confidence that the government and relevant institutions would extend their cooperation for establishing a model industrial area equipped with modern infrastructure, utilities and facilities to promote industrialisation, investment and employment in the capital.
Speaking about ease of doing business, Zikria Zia said the Chamber would present practical proposals to the government aimed at creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and investment.
He stressed that no government department should be allowed to disgrace, threaten, intimidate or unnecessarily harass members of the business community.
“The business community must be treated as a partner in economic development. Respect, facilitation and predictability are essential if we want businesses to invest, expand and create jobs,” he maintained.
The ICCI president also highlighted Pakistan’s potential for international tourism, particularly in the Northern Areas, saying the country possessed scenic destinations capable of attracting tourists from around the world.
He proposed that Pakistan should actively engage the embassies of friendly and tourism-generating countries and encourage them to promote the Northern Areas among their citizens.
“We need to showcase the real beauty, culture, hospitality and tourism potential of Pakistan to the world and attract international visitors to our Northern Areas,” he said.
Zikria Zia said Islamabad should not remain merely the political capital of Pakistan but should also emerge as a leading centre for business, exhibitions, investment and international trade.
