PM pushes sweeping digitisation drive to boost investment and exports

• Premier Shehbaz orders faster investor facilitation and streamlined licensing systems

• Stresses govt prioritises investment-led economic growth, export expansion, crediting SIFC with boosting investor confidence

• Says 21 Special Economic Zones operational, set to expand to 26 by June 2026, with SEZ export share to rise to 8% by FY 2028

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, while chairing a high-level review meeting, directed the relevant authorities to strengthen communication between the government and investors and accelerate the digitisation of the entire system for access to licensing and other public services.

The prime minister chaired the review meeting on investment promotion in the country, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت ملک میں سرمایہ کاری کے فروغ پر اجلاس

اجلاس کو ملک میں سرمایہ کاری میں اضافے کے حوالے سے حکومتی اقدامات پر بریفنگ میں بتایا گیا کہ سرمایہ کاروں اور کاروباری حضرات کے لیے حکومتی اجازت ناموں کے حصول آسان بنانے کیلئے تمام سروسز ڈیجیٹائز کی جا… pic.twitter.com/faGfY4RVcT

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 28, 2026

PM Shehbaz Sharif underscored that the promotion of investment remains the government’s top priority for ensuring sustainable economic development. He directed the concerned institutions to ensure the provision of all necessary facilities to both domestic and foreign investors to boost exports and economic activity.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت ملک میں سرمایہ کاری کے فروغ پر جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کو بریفنگ میں بتایا گیا کہ سرمایہ کاروں اور کاروباری حضرات کے لیے حکومتی اجازت ناموں کے حصول کو آسان بنانے کے لیے تمام سروسز ڈیجیٹائز کی جا رہی ہیں، جس کے لیے پاکستان ریگولیٹری رجسٹری قائم کی… pic.twitter.com/JyGHKqAjvZ

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 28, 2026

He further instructed that the implementation of regulatory compliance frameworks be made simpler, faster, and more cost-effective to encourage greater investment inflows.

The prime minister said the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has significantly strengthened investor confidence in the country.

The meeting was briefed on various government initiatives aimed at increasing investment inflows and improving the overall business environment.

Officials informed the forum that the share of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in national exports stood at 3.7 per cent from July to March of the current fiscal year. However, a target has been set to increase the contribution of SEZs to 8 per cent by the fiscal year 2028.

The forum was further informed that a business-ready action plan is being developed in consultation with the provinces to promote investment. To facilitate investors and businesses in obtaining government permits, all relevant services are being digitised, and the Pakistan Regulatory Registry is being established for streamlined regulatory processes.

Officials said that currently 21 Special Economic Zones are operational across the country, and this number is expected to increase to 26 by June 2026.

Under the Ease of Doing Business framework, red tape is being eliminated, while the expansion of digital governance services will further enhance investor facilitation, the meeting was told.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, and senior relevant government officials.