ISLAMABAD, June 1, 2026: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, on Monday urged the government to address key challenges facing the business community, particularly those affecting the real estate, construction, and industrial sectors, during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House.
The meeting was attended by presidents of chambers of commerce and prominent business leaders from across Pakistan, who presented budget proposals and highlighted major obstacles hindering business growth and economic expansion.
Representing the business community of the federal capital, Sardar Tahir Mehmood drew the Prime Minister’s attention to what he described as the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) irrational Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges. He said the charges had significantly increased the cost of doing business and were discouraging investment in Islamabad.
He also raised concerns regarding Sections 236-C and 236-K of the Income Tax Ordinance, which relate to immovable property transactions. According to him, these taxes have adversely affected the real estate and construction sectors, which support nearly 70 allied industries and generate substantial economic activity and employment nationwide.
The ICCI president further stressed the need for a One-Window Digital Approval System and a fast-track approval mechanism for business and construction-related projects. He said such reforms would help reduce bureaucratic delays, improve the ease of doing business, enhance transparency, and restore investor confidence.
During the extensive consultation session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif listened to the proposals and recommendations put forward by the business community for possible inclusion in the Federal Budget 2026-27. Participants emphasized the importance of promoting exports, encouraging industrial growth, and creating a more business-friendly environment.
Business leaders also called for the rationalization of energy tariffs and the removal of hurdles affecting export-oriented industries, stressing that competitive energy costs are essential for boosting Pakistan’s exports and strengthening the national economy.
The Prime Minister assured participants that the government values the input of the business community and remains committed to addressing their concerns. He directed relevant ministries and departments to maintain close coordination with chamber presidents and business representatives and to resolve business-related issues on a priority basis.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood expressed optimism that the government would incorporate the business community’s recommendations into the upcoming federal budget and take practical measures to facilitate investment, revive economic activity, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
