ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, chaired the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) 5th Apex Committee Meeting on the second consecutive day on Saturday.
Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is a hybrid civil-military forum tasked with framing economic policies and attracting foreign investment into the country.
Chaired by interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the meeting saw the participation of the Chief of Army Staff, the Federal Cabinet, Provincial Chief Ministers, and high-ranking government officials.
During this session, key ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information Technology & Telecommunications, National Food Security & Research, and Water Resources, presented comprehensive plans. These plans outlined milestones, timelines, and strategies to address significant challenges. The committee unanimously agreed to prioritize decisions in the best interest of the nation and to combat issues such as smuggling, hoarding, and market manipulation through a robust enforcement mechanism.
Prime Minister Kakar urged the ministries to make the most of the short interim period, contributing positively and initiating both medium and long-term policy interventions. The Chief of Army Staff reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s steadfast support for the government’s endeavors aimed at the “Economic Revival” of the nation.
Pakistan’s Ministers Briefing on SIFC Meeting
Addressing a press conference following the meeting, Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that the government has decided to ease visa policy for foreign businessmen.
He said that the new visa policy will be announced soon.
The interior minister said that the new visa policy would be business-friendly and would boost foreign investment in Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to proactive diplomacy and the continuous improvement of international relations during a press conference in Islamabad.
Jilani revealed that the SIFC meeting received a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s foreign policy. He underscored the strength of Pakistan’s relations with China and the positive trajectory of its engagement with the United States.
Jilani also highlighted Pakistan’s amicable relations with Saudi Arabia, countries in the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), South Asian nations, and Central Asian states. He emphasized the importance of Africa, noting the formulation of the “Look Africa Policy” designed to bolster ties with African nations. Additionally, Jilani stressed the significance of Pakistan’s relationships with European countries and the drive to enhance trade with the European Union (EU).
The Foreign Minister discussed ongoing efforts to address issues faced by international investors, including the provision of long-term visas to facilitate their ventures.
Jawad Sohrab Malik added that a collaborative initiative with the Interior Ministry would establish a dedicated cell to address issues pertaining to overseas Pakistanis. Furthermore, Dr. Umar Saif disclosed plans to modernize the taxation system, enhancing economic documentation. He elaborated on the provision of IT training to 200,000 young individuals and the facilitation of freelancing opportunities for 500,000 people across the nation.
