LAHORE: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Monday invited the business community to invest in the mega special economic zone planned to be established at the Pakistan Steel Mill’s land measuring 6,000 acres in Karachi.
“I invite the interested investors to avail these opportunities, as the effective use of large industrial landholdings, supported by adequate infrastructure can create new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, industrial investment and exports,” the minister said.
He asked the business community here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) while highlighting the planning of utilizing approximately 6,000 acres of PSM land in Karachi as a Special Economic Zone.
He said the local industrial competitiveness, production capacity and export potential should be considered when formulating trade policies. He said the investors needed a predictable business environment, clear regulations and consistency in government decisions to make long-term investment plans with confidence.
Mr Sheikh said the government would work closely with the LCCI to promote investment, facilitate the business community and accelerate industrial growth. The business community must be involved in policy making, regulatory matters and economic decisions, as industrialists and traders understood ground realities and business challenges.
The minister was of the view that the business community should not merely be informed about policies but actively involved in their formulation. “Government departments should consult chambers of commerce and industrial representatives before making decisions concerning regulations, business standards and investment, ensuring that policies remained practical and did not create unnecessary obstacles in the way of commercial activities,” he sought, adding that an effective one-window facilitation system is essential to save investors from visiting multiple departments and facing unnecessary delays in obtaining approvals.
Earlier, the LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar while speaking on the occasion said the business community played a vital role in economic growth, employment generation and investment, but action by government departments and the exercise of discretionary powers were creating difficulties for industrialists and traders.
He said that LCCI did not oppose the implementation of laws and regulations. However, enforcement methods should not unnecessarily disrupt legitimate business activities. Instead of immediately registering FIRs, sealing business premises or taking harsh action over minor or rectifiable violations, authorities should provide businesses with reasonable time and an opportunity to correct the shortcomings.
Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026
