Unnecessary rules being removed

The government says it has completed about 60-70% of a review intended to reduce regulatory obstacles for businesses, The Express Tribune reported on Friday. Adviser to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said proposals from institutions call, on average, for removing 70-75% of rules considered unnecessary or duplicative.

Khan said reforms are being reviewed every two weeks, with implementation already started on some proposals. The federal cabinet has approved 170 amendments to the Companies Act, 2017, and the bill has been sent to parliament; the changes are intended to ease company registration and operations. Reviews also cover dairy, maritime, beverages, oil refineries, pharmaceuticals and restaurants, while the proposed Asaan Karobar Act aims to simplify procedures and lower compliance costs.