Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Apex Committee Secretary Dr. Jehanzeb Khan has said that investors—particularly those from Gulf countries—want a clear stance from Pakistan on its medium-term economic framework, exchange rate stability, and long-term reform commitments. He stated that investors want concrete evidence of the government’s seriousness before making major investment decisions.
Speaking at a session titled “Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities” organized by the Pakistan Business Council, he said Pakistan must break away from the repeated cycle of import substitution and protectionist policies and move toward a 5–10-year transformation that promotes integration with the global economy while creating a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
Dr. Jehanzeb Khan clarified that Pakistan’s real issue is not a lack of investors but the absence of policy coherence and administrative continuity. He termed the claims of $20–30 billion in potential investments exaggerated, noting that these figures are based on investor statements. He stressed that Pakistan must prioritize selective and effective investments, especially in manufacturing, exports, and private-sector development.
He cautioned that Pakistan needs to adopt a careful approach toward market-based and large infrastructure projects—particularly in the energy and transport sectors—where government liabilities are already high.
According to him, one of the major reasons past policy mistakes were not corrected is the lack of effective information systems. Investment, taxation, fiscal, agricultural, and energy policies continued operating in silos, which eroded investor confidence over the last decade. He said that although SIFC has improved coordination between ministries and provinces, institutional functionality remains a weak point.
Dr. Jehanzeb Khan emphasized that the goal of investment should not merely be capital inflow but sustainable and inclusive development aligned with the SDGs 2030. He added that investor confidence is tied not only to political stability but also to administrative continuity, as countries maintain direction despite political fluctuations due to strong civil service systems.
