SIFC in talks with Punjab govt to establish special economic zone in Islamabad

The Special Investment Facilitation Council is working with the Punjab government to choose a site for a special economic zone in Islamabad, with a decision expected soon, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. SIFC National Coordinator Lieutenant General Asad ur Rehman Afzal Cheema discussed the plan on Friday with an Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation led by president Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia.

The chamber called for an industrial estate in the federal capital and an international-standard exhibition and convention centre. Cheema backed the centre proposal and said business complaints could be submitted through the SIFC portal for referral to government departments. The delegation also raised concerns about State Bank debt-recovery rules, port charges and administrative issues involving the Capital Development Authority and the Federal Board of Revenue, and called for a 10-year economic policy framework. An ICCI delegation is due to visit SIFC next week to discuss investment facilitation and private-sector concerns.