DNA
ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has called on the government to strengthen institutional frameworks and improve the ease of doing business as a key measure to ensure sustainable economic growth and attract both domestic and foreign investment. APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said that while Pakistan’s economy is showing modest signs of stabilization with slight improvement in growth and easing inflationary pressures, structural challenges, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and regulatory inconsistencies continue to hamper business operations and long-term economic progress. He emphasized that without addressing these core issues, the country risks losing competitiveness and falling behind regional peers in terms of investment and industrial development.
The forum highlighted that Pakistan has made some improvements in its business environment in recent years, which have helped streamline certain procedures and improve service delivery. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in regulatory enforcement, operational efficiency, and public service delivery. These inefficiencies not only increase the cost of doing business but also limit access to financing, discourage entrepreneurship, and create uncertainty for both local and foreign investors. APBF leaders stressed that strengthening institutions and regulatory bodies is essential to create a predictable and transparent business environment that can support long-term economic stability.
A major concern highlighted by APBF is the difficulty faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up the majority of business establishments in Pakistan and play a critical role in employment generation and GDP contribution. SMEs often struggle with limited access to finance, high compliance costs, and complex licensing procedures, all of which constrain their ability to grow and compete.
APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi also pointed to broader structural issues affecting the economy, including fiscal deficits, inflationary pressures, and currency fluctuations. While recent government measures have attempted to improve trade facilitation, reduce energy costs, and attract investment, the forum emphasized that these initiatives must be accompanied by comprehensive reforms.
Ibrahim Qureshi noted that governance issues, including red tape and lack of policy consistency, continue to undermine economic growth and discourage investment. Addressing these issues through stronger institutional capacity and improved transparency is essential to build confidence among investors and create a more business-friendly environment. APBF stressed that a predictable regulatory framework, combined with supportive fiscal and industrial policies, is crucial for encouraging entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and promoting export-led growth.
Syed Maaz Mahmood reiterated its commitment to work with the government and private sector stakeholders to design and implement reforms that strengthen Pakistan’s economic growth. The forum urged the authorities to prioritize structural and institutional reforms in upcoming policy and budgetary frameworks, ensuring that the economy can achieve long-term stability, create jobs, and support inclusive development. Strong institutions and a reliable business environment, according to APBF, are key to unlocking Pakistan’s economic potential and sustaining growth in a competitive global market.
