Islamabad, February 3, 2026: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has highly appreciated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for unveiling a comprehensive relief package for industries and exporters, describing it as a timely and positive step toward reviving economic activity, restoring investor confidence, and strengthening Pakistan’s export base.
Addressing a press conference, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said the gathering was convened primarily to express gratitude for the Prime Minister’s announced measures. He also lauded the Prime Minister and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman for reviewing and restructuring the Islamabad immovable property valuation table, following extensive discussions between ICCI leadership and FBR authorities. The rationalization, he noted, would help restore market confidence and encourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood highlighted key elements of the relief package, including a Rs. 4.04 per unit reduction in electricity tariffs, industrial wheeling charges lowered to below Rs. 9, a reduction in the Export Refinance Scheme (ERS) rate from 7.5% to 4.5%, and the issuance of blue passports to leading exporters for two years. He described these measures as a clear reflection of the Prime Minister’s commitment to promoting trade, investment, and exports, while reaffirming ICCI’s full support for the government’s economic vision.
He cautioned, however, that excessive taxation and high interest rates continue to make Pakistan a challenging place to do business, urging the government to rationalize these factors urgently. He stressed that bringing the KIBOR to single digits is crucial to reducing the cost of doing business and stimulating long-term investment.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood reiterated ICCI’s demand to declare the real estate sector as an industry, highlighting its role in fulfilling housing needs and supporting multiple allied sectors. He also proposed organizing a National Real Estate Conference with all key stakeholders to identify sectoral challenges and facilitate effective policymaking.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman ICCI Founder Group Sheikh Tariq Sadiq welcomed the Prime Minister’s relief package while emphasizing the need for further measures to enhance industrial competitiveness and sustain economic growth.
The press conference was also attended by ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, former Presidents Zubair Ahmed Malik and Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Executive Members Ishaq Sial, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Sanaullah Khan, Ms. Fatima Azim, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Imran Minhas, Raja Naveed Satti, along with a large gathering of business community members.
