Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, attended as Chief Guest and addressed the 18th Annual CSR Summit and Awards 2026 organized by NFEH(National Forum for Environment and Health).
The Minister stated that Corporate Social Responsibility has become an integral part of modern business strategy and that investment is not merely about economic indicators but about improving lives, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening social stability. He emphasized that businesses today are key partners in social progress alongside economic growth.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Government of Pakistan is implementing comprehensive regulatory reforms and investment-friendly policies to stabilize and strengthen the national economy. Measures to enhance ease of doing business, ensure regulatory transparency, and facilitate investors are being actively pursued. Incentives including income tax exemptions and customs duty concessions in Special Economic Zones are being provided to attract both local and foreign investment. He particularly highlighted the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), which provides a single-window facilitation mechanism to investors, ensuring streamlined approvals, reduced processing time, and effective resolution of operational issues.
Referring to China’s journey of sustainable growth, the Minister noted that over the past four decades China lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty through long-term planning, industrial policy, technological advancement, and consistent investment in education and skills development. He stated that China’s economic transformation demonstrates that quality education, innovation, and human capital development are fundamental pillars of sustainable growth.
He stressed that Pakistan must similarly prioritize investment in human capital. Mentioning his association with FAST National University since a long time, he observed that institutions of higher learning in Pakistan are equipping youth with globally competitive skills in IT and emerging technologies, which are essential for building a knowledge-based economy.
The Minister underlined that investment in human resources is the key to poverty reduction and economic stability. Without strengthening education, research, and skill development, sustainable progress cannot be achieved. He reiterated that public–private partnerships remain essential for inclusive and long-term development.
He called upon investors, industrialists, and business leaders to align their investment objectives with social responsibility and expand CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental protection, skill development, and community welfare.
Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reaffirmed that the Board of Investment remains fully committed to providing maximum facilitation and guidance to investors through transparent and efficient one-window operations.
He expressed confidence that through strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, Pakistan can achieve sustainable, inclusive, and investment-friendly economic growth.
