New Industrial Estate Islamabad Planned to Boost Trade and Investment
Islamabad is set to receive its first dedicated industrial estate, a move widely welcomed by the business community as a much-needed step to stimulate trade and investment in the federal capital.
The announcement came during a meeting at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), where Punjab Assembly Member and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Planning and Development, Malik Shahbaz Ali Khokhar, assured his support for the project. He urged ICCI leadership to finalize its groundwork swiftly so the initiative could move forward without delay.
Khokhar emphasized that the business community is the backbone of economic growth and highlighted the Punjab Government’s commitment to easing regulatory hurdles. According to him, licensing requirements are being simplified to ensure smoother operations for industry and commerce. He also noted that, under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, urban reforms such as Clean Punjab, city beautification, and anti-encroachment drives are progressing to create a more business-friendly environment.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood echoed the urgency of establishing a dedicated industrial zone for Islamabad, pointing out that it would not only support existing enterprises but also attract new investments to the capital. He stressed that bureaucratic delays, such as difficulties in obtaining No Objection Certificates from the Rawalpindi Development Authority, must be addressed to retain investor confidence and stop capital flight.
With rapid urbanization in major cities, Mehmood underscored the importance of forward-looking strategies to balance population growth with sustainable development. Other ICCI leaders, including Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, also called for stronger government support to ensure a conducive environment for businesses.
The planned industrial estate Islamabad is seen as a critical step in positioning the city as a hub for commerce, helping local and international investors capitalize on new opportunities.
Shahnawaz Yaqub Bhatti
Investment Consultant and CEO at Imlaak
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