Shehbaz Sharif: Accelerating Business Reforms in Pakistan

Islamabad, Jul 17 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to accelerate the implementation of measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business in order to bring more investments in the country. 

Sharif made the comments while chairing a review meeting regarding measures to facilitate the ease of doing business, the PM Office said in a statement.

Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister directed that the implementation of the government's policy measures for the ease of doing business and the 'Ease of Doing Business Act 2025' be expedited, the statement said.

He emphasised ensuring third-party validation by international organisations to assess the effectiveness and implementation of these measures.

"Fully leveraging the vast potential for domestic and foreign investment in Pakistan is among the government's top priorities," he said.

Sharif further directed that a comprehensive report on the implementation of policy measures to facilitate the ease of doing business be prepared and submitted soon.


He said that the efforts of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Special Investment Facilitation Council, Board of Investment, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries, and all relevant institutions regarding legislation and policy-making to improve the ease of doing business are commendable.

The meeting was briefed on the implementation status of measures and the future course of action. It was informed that work has been completed on 558 reforms aimed at reducing regulations, paperwork, and approval processes to facilitate the ease of doing business in the country. Of these, 71 policy measures have already been implemented, while work on implementing another 272 is proceeding rapidly.

These measures are being implemented across various sectors in seven phases.

The meeting was also informed that eliminating unnecessary and complex paperwork and regulations would lead to increased exports and foreign direct investment, as well as the creation of new employment opportunities.

Sharif directed that, when evaluating the performance of officials from relevant agencies, key importance be given to their implementation of measures for 'Ease of Doing Business' and the resulting job creation.

The meeting was held as the country struggled to bring in investment to tackle its economic woes. The net flow investment declined in FY26 that ended on June 30, as the country attracted a foreign direct investment (FDI) of USD 1.64 billion, down from USD 2.48 billion in the same period last year.