Business

Pakistan Rolls Out Business-Friendly Regulatory Reforms

By News Desk

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Pakistan Rolls Out Business-Friendly Regulatory Reforms

The Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR), chaired by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, has endorsed Pakistan’s third quarterly Regulatory Reform Package. The initiative, developed by the Board of Investment (BOI), is part of the government’s broader effort to modernise the regulatory framework and improve ease of doing business.

Key reforms include the Regulatory Governance Strategy 2025–2030, aimed at establishing a modern legal and regulatory system. The package also proposes creating a Pakistan National Legal Registry (PLR) and introducing a National Business Registry managed by the SECP, replacing fragmented district registries.

For businesses, the reforms will simplify procedures by allowing online onboarding for low-risk enterprises and introducing the Asaan Business Bank Account (ABA) for SMEs. A risk-based security clearance system for foreign investors will also be rolled out, ensuring transparency, predictability, and statutory timelines.

Additionally, the package includes an overhaul of the Companies Act 2017, removing outdated provisions, reducing compliance costs, and benchmarking requirements against international best practices. These steps are expected to lower administrative burdens for both listed and unlisted companies.

Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh praised the BOI team and regulatory bodies for their efforts, stressing that the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to building a transparent, business-friendly environment. The changes aim to cut delays, reduce costs, and create a level playing field for local and foreign investors alike.