ISLAMABAD – President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood has emphasised that comprehensive and business-friendly policy reforms are essential to improve the ease of doing business, attract investment, and put the national economy on a sustainable path of growth. Talking to a delegation of businessmen at the Chamber House here on Saturday, he stated that Pakistan possesses immense economic potential, but unnecessary regulatory hurdles, complex taxation procedures, inconsistent policies, and bureaucratic delays continue to hamper business activities and discourage investors.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood stressed that the government should introduce long-term and consistent economic policies to restore the confidence of the business community. He said that simplifying tax systems, reducing the cost of doing business, digitizing government procedures, and ensuring transparency in regulatory mechanisms are the need of the hour. He particularly emphasized the need for establishing an effective “One-Window Operation” system to facilitate businesses and investors. He said that investors often face difficulties due to the involvement of multiple departments and lengthy approval procedures, which increase the cost and delay business operations. A centralized one-window facility, he added, would significantly improve efficiency, reduce red tape, and encourage both local and foreign investmen t.
The ICCI president further said that the private sector plays a pivotal role in economic development, export enhancement, and job creation; therefore, facilitating businesses must remain a top national priority. He added that policy continuity and investor-friendly reforms would not only strengthen local industries but also help attract foreign direct investment. Sardar Tahir Mehmood also underlined the importance of public-private sector collaboration for framing practical economic policies. He said that chambers of commerce and trade bodies should be actively consulted before introducing major fiscal and regulatory decisions to ensure that policies are realistic and growth-oriented. He maintained that improving the ease of doing business would enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness, boost exports, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen economic stability. He expressed the hope that the government would take meaningful steps in the upcoming policy framework to address the genuine concerns of the business community and create a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship.
He reaffirmed that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry would continue to play its proactive role in highlighting issues faced by the business community and presenting constructive proposals for sustainable economic progress.
