By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, has said that Saudi Arabia-based Falcon Vision Group has expressed interest in investing up to US$10 billion in Pakistan across multiple sectors, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economic potential and investment climate.

The Minister made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation comprising business leaders, overseas Pakistanis, and media professionals to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan.

The delegation included Rasheed Khan Niazi, former Director Current Affairs at PTV Islamabad; Muhammad Tariq Ghous, Vice Chairman and President of Falcon Vision Company, Jeddah; Zulfiqar, Business Head of Falcon Vision Pakistan; Dr. Asmat Ullah Khan, Country Head of Falcon Vision; Maqbool, associated with J7 Emporium and other real estate projects; Col. Jamshed; and Attique, an overseas Pakistani businessman based in South Korea. Senior BOI officials also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reaffirmed the Board of Investment’s commitment to providing full facilitation to investors. He said the Government of Pakistan is pursuing investor-friendly policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and accelerating economic growth.

Muhammad Tariq Ghous briefed the Minister on the operations of Falcon Vision Group, a diversified Saudi company headquartered in Jeddah with investments in infrastructure, construction, technology, and various industrial sectors. He informed the meeting that Saudi investors are actively exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan and that up to US$10 billion has been earmarked for potential projects.

The Minister welcomed the interest, saying Pakistan offers a dynamic market, a strategic geographic location, and a young workforce that make it an attractive destination for international investors.

He highlighted the incentives available in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including income tax exemptions until 2035 and duty-free import of plant and machinery. He also pointed to the establishment of Business Facilitation Centers (BFCs), which provide one-window services for business registration, licensing, and regulatory approvals.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to investor confidence, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said Pakistan allows 100 percent repatriation of profits and guarantees equal treatment for local and foreign investors. He acknowledged challenges such as high energy costs and procedural bottlenecks but assured the delegation that the government is actively implementing reforms to address these issues.

The Minister also highlighted the BOI’s role in leading regulatory reforms through the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR), which is working to simplify procedures and improve the ease of doing business.

During the meeting, Maqbool briefed the Minister on his real estate ventures, including J7 Emporium, and shared plans to establish a Special Technology Zone (STZ). The Minister informed participants that SEZ regulations have been amended to encourage greater private sector participation in the development and management of economic zones, while existing notified zones remain available for new investments with BOI support.

The Minister appreciated the invitation to visit J7 Emporium and encouraged greater collaboration in the real estate and commercial development sectors.

BOI officials also invited the delegation to visit the Business Facilitation Center to observe the efficiency of its single-window system.

Col. Jamshed briefed the Minister on a joint project to establish a modern shopping mall in Chakwal, highlighting the district’s highly educated workforce and the presence of the University of Chakwal. The Minister welcomed the initiative and wished the project success.

Maqbool also presented a proposal to develop a Gandhara Club near Taxila to promote religious and cultural tourism, particularly for Buddhist visitors. He said the project could attract international investment in resorts, educational institutions, and heritage tourism. The Minister welcomed the proposal, noting Pakistan’s vast untapped tourism potential.

Drawing on his own experience in international business partnerships, including ventures with Korean and Malaysian companies, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said he understands the concerns of investors and reiterated that Pakistan’s policy framework also supports passive capital investment.

Concluding the meeting, the Federal Minister assured the delegation of his full support and accessibility, encouraging investors to remain engaged with the Board of Investment for prompt assistance. He reaffirmed that the BOI remains committed to facilitating investors and positioning Pakistan as a preferred global investment destination.