The 12th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR) was chaired by the Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, in Islamabad today. The meeting was attended by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, and the Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.
The primary agenda of the meeting was a comprehensive progress review of the regulatory reforms previously endorsed by the Committee. The forum was informed that out of a total of 558 reforms, 76 have been implemented, 232 are on track, while 243 reforms have missed their deadlines and are currently off track.
Chairing the session, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh emphasized the importance of taking the decisions of CCoRR with utmost seriousness. He stated that the government’s central objective is to promote ease of doing business and attract both domestic and foreign investment. “Deregulation is essential for investment facilitation, and all reforms have been agreed upon through consensus; therefore, delays in implementation are unacceptable,” he remarked. He further stressed that the Committee’s focus must now shift towards resolving bottlenecks and ensuring timely execution.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan expressed concern over delays in implementation, questioning the effectiveness of the Committee if decisions are not executed. He proposed that a maximum deadline of 30 days be given for all off-track reforms, after which the concerned departments should be held accountable before the Prime Minister.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan inquired about the progress of the Regimeter dashboard and advised the reforms team to develop an executive-level dashboard for ministers to effectively monitor implementation and progress in real time.
During the meeting, various departments with off-track reforms were taken up one by one for detailed discussion. The Committee noted that a significant number of reforms relate to simplification of procedures and digitization of processes.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) was highlighted as a key case, with 19 total reforms, of which only one has been implemented while 18 remain off track. The Chairman CDA was questioned regarding the delays, and the Committee strongly reinforced that the recommendations of CCoRR must be implemented on a priority basis. The Committee directed CDA to nominate a focal person and submit a comprehensive response. Similarly, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) informed the Committee that progress has been made on its previously off-track reforms.
The Pakistan Tobacco Board presented its position on three reforms, particularly contesting the proposal to eliminate the tobacco export permit. The Committee was informed that Pakistan had acceded in 2018 to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, which requires licensing of tobacco export products and extension of supply chain controls to unmanufactured tobacco. The Committee tasked regulatory expert Mr. Scott Jacobs to further examine the treaty obligations and provide guidance to the Committee.
Other departments with off-track reforms, including the Food Department, ICT administration, Department of Explosives, Directorate of Plant Protection, Labour Welfare Department, Environmental Protection Agency, District Health Office, Islamabad Food Authority, Industries and Mineral Development Department, and the Private Power and Infrastructure Board, were also reviewed in detail.
A major portion of off-track reforms pertains to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), with 139 reforms pending, many of which are under consideration by the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases (CCLC). SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan informed the Committee that Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar, has assured that the required work at CCLC will be expedited. The Committee set a strict 30-day deadline and directed all concerned to fast-track the process.
Reforms undertaken by the State Bank of Pakistan were also discussed, particularly those related to business account opening procedures and streamlining of foreign exchange transactions to facilitate investors.
The Committee reiterated that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is personally committed to improving Pakistan’s business climate and has taken a keen interest in ensuring the effective implementation of regulatory reforms to enhance ease of doing business in the country.
The meeting concluded with a strong directive to all ministries and departments to expedite implementation, ensure accountability, and align their efforts with the government’s vision of creating a business-friendly and investment-conducive environment.
BOI remains committed to facilitating investors and ensuring timely implementation of reforms to drive sustainable economic growth.
