Tariq Fazal highlights SIFC role in attracting investment & ensuring market relief measures

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2026) Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the National Assembly that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has played a significant role in attracting billions of rupees in investment into the country by facilitating coordination among ministries, regulatory authorities, and provincial governments.

Responding to questions during question hour, he said the forum serves as a facilitation platform to streamline investment processes and encourage foreign and local investors to invest in Pakistan.

He explained that investments facilitated through SIFC span multiple sectors, including textiles, industry, agriculture, mining, and minerals.

The minister added that the initiative is progressing rapidly and has already helped bring substantial investment into the country.

According to the minister, SIFC works by coordinating with various ministries and regulatory authorities to remove obstacles for investors and improve the regulatory environment.

The SIFC particularly focuses on supporting foreign investors and ensuring that investment proposals are processed efficiently.

He further said that despite economic challenges, Pakistan is increasingly being viewed as a relatively secure destination for investment within the region.

The minister said many investors in contact with the government have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s stability and investment potential.

Separately, the minister clarified that the SIFC does not directly deal with taxation policies or price controls in markets. However, the government is taking administrative measures to prevent hoarding and control unjustified price increases to protect consumers.

He added that Federal and provincial governments, including administrations in provinces governed by the Pakistan Peoples Party, are actively working to monitor markets and ensure that consumers are not burdened by excessive price hikes.

Highlighting relief measures during the holy month of Ramazan, the minister said nine special Ramazan bazaars have been established in several areas of Islamabad under the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

These markets provide essential commodities such as vegetables, fruits, flour, sugar, pulses, gram flour, eggs, and chicken at controlled prices. The goods are supplied directly from wholesale markets to ensure affordability for consumers.

The minister said the bazaars have been set up in several localities of Islamabad, including G-6, G-10, G-11, Tarnol, Bhara Kahu, Rawat, and surrounding areas, enabling residents across the capital to benefit from the initiative.

APP/tsw-sra