ISLAMABAD, JUN 1 /DNA/ – President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has urged the government to address the pressing challenges confronting the business community, particularly those affecting the real estate, construction, and industrial sectors, during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House here on Monday.
The meeting was attended by Presidents of various chambers of commerce and leading business figures from across the country, who presented their budget proposals and highlighted the major obstacles hindering business growth and economic expansion.
Representing the business community of the federal capital, Sardar Tahir Mehmood drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) irrational Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges, stating that these charges have significantly increased the cost of doing business and are discouraging investment in Islamabad. He also raised concerns over Sections 236-C and 236-K of the Income Tax Ordinance related to immovable property transactions, noting that these taxes have adversely impacted the real estate and construction sectors, which support nearly 70 allied industries and generate substantial economic activity and employment across the country.
The ICCI President further emphasized the urgent need for introducing a One Window Digital Approval System and implementing a fast-track approval mechanism for business and construction-related projects. He maintained that such reforms would reduce bureaucratic delays, improve the ease of doing business, enhance transparency, and restore investor confidence.
During the extensive consultation session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif listened to attentively the proposals and recommendations put forward by the business community for their possible incorporation into the Federal Budget 2026-27. The participants underscored the importance of promoting exports, encouraging industrial growth, and creating a more business-friendly environment.
The business leaders also proposed the rationalization of energy tariffs and the removal of hurdles affecting export-oriented industries, stressing that competitive energy costs are essential for increasing Pakistan’s exports and strengthening the national economy.
The Prime Minister assured the participants that the government values the input of the business community and is committed to addressing their concerns. He directed the relevant ministries and departments to maintain close coordination with chamber presidents and business representatives and to resolve the issues faced by the business community on a priority basis.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood expressed hope that the government would incorporate the business community’s recommendations into the upcoming budget and take practical measures to facilitate investment, revive economic activity, and accelerate sustainable growth.=DNA
