APBF Urges Government to Strengthen Institutions and Improve Ease of Doing Business

By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan — The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has called on the government to strengthen institutional frameworks and improve the ease of doing business as critical measures to ensure sustainable economic growth and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood stated that while Pakistan’s economy shows modest signs of stabilization, including slight growth improvements and easing inflationary pressures, structural challenges, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and regulatory inconsistencies continue to hinder business operations and long-term economic progress. He warned that failure to address these issues could cause Pakistan to lose competitiveness and lag behind regional peers in investment and industrial development.
The forum acknowledged that some improvements have been made in the business environment, helping to streamline procedures and improve service delivery. However, gaps remain in regulatory enforcement, operational efficiency, and public service delivery, which increase the cost of doing business, limit access to finance, discourage entrepreneurship, and create uncertainty for both local and foreign investors.
A key concern highlighted by APBF is the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the majority of Pakistan’s business establishments and play a critical role in employment generation and GDP contribution. SMEs often struggle with limited access to finance, high compliance costs, and complex licensing procedures, constraining their growth and competitiveness.
APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi pointed out broader structural issues, including fiscal deficits, inflationary pressures, and currency fluctuations, noting that while recent government initiatives have aimed to improve trade facilitation, reduce energy costs, and attract investment, these measures must be accompanied by comprehensive structural reforms. He emphasized that red tape, inconsistent policies, and weak governance continue to undermine growth and discourage investors.
The forum stressed that strengthening institutions and regulatory bodies is essential to create a predictable and transparent business environment, which will foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and export-led growth. A combination of robust institutions, supportive fiscal and industrial policies, and policy consistency is vital to building investor confidence and sustaining economic development.
Syed Maaz Mahmood reiterated APBF’s commitment to work with the government and private sector stakeholders to design and implement reforms that strengthen Pakistan’s economic growth. The forum urged authorities to prioritize structural and institutional reforms in upcoming policy and budgetary frameworks, ensuring the economy achieves long-term stability, job creation, and inclusive development.
According to APBF, strong institutions and a reliable business environment are key to unlocking Pakistan’s economic potential and sustaining growth in a competitive global market.