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Business community seeks transparent & investor friendly regulatory framework

ISLAMABAD: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has emphasized 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 urged the government to 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 investment.

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.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.