Islamabad:Lawmakers were informed on Tuesday that Pakistan has seen fresh investment inflows running into billions of dollars, with government officials attributing the development to policy coordination carried out through the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
The matter was raised during the National Assembly’s question hour when Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary responded to queries related to investment and economic planning. He said the investment had entered the country in different sectors and followed steps taken to simplify procedures for investors.
According to Chaudhary, the SIFC was created to address delays and coordination gaps that had long affected investment-related decisions. He told the house that the federal government, working through the council, introduced changes to the investment policy and revised visa rules to make the process more accessible for foreign and local investors.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, speaking during the session, said the SIFC operates as a single-window platform. He said the mechanism allows investors to deal with government departments through one channel and has helped improve coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
During the same sitting, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah referred to the Benazir Income Support Programme, saying it continues to receive recognition beyond Pakistan. He noted that the programme has been cited internationally as a well-established social safety net.
Telecom Spectrum Auction and Legislative Updates
The house was also informed about developments in the telecommunications sector. Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology Sabheen Ghoury said the auction of the 600 MHz spectrum band is expected to take place next month. She said the auction would help improve internet speed and service quality across the country.
Responding to a separate point raised by opposition member Gohar Ali Khan, Chaudhary said Pakistan’s decision to join the Board of Peace was taken keeping in view the situation in Palestine. He reiterated that Pakistan maintains a consistent position on the issue and continues to raise it at international forums.
Legislative business followed later in the session. The National Assembly passed the Income Tax Third Amendment Bill, 2025, which was moved by Bilal Azhar Kayani. He said the bill aims to protect taxpayers’ rights and improve the functioning of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee.
In addition, seven amendment bills were laid before the house, covering areas including anti-money laundering, national archives, abandoned properties, housing, oil and gas regulation, electronic transactions, and Pakistan study centres.
Source: Radio Pakistan