Business Facilitation Centre received 7,709 applications and supported more than 4,100 new businesses during its first year.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has reviewed the one-year performance of the Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) Islamabad, highlighting its role in supporting new businesses, investment and employment opportunities through an integrated service platform.
The minister visited the BFC Islamabad and received a detailed briefing on its performance, services provided to businesses and investors, application processing and plans to expand its facilitation services.
Qaiser Sheikh said the establishment of the BFC was an important step towards providing businesses and investors with fast, convenient and integrated government services under one roof.
He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was taking practical measures to promote investment, improve the business environment and strengthen economic activity.
7,709 applications received
The minister said BFC Islamabad had recorded significant progress during its first year of operations.
Between August 20, 2025 and August 20, 2026, the centre received 7,709 applications from businesses and investors.
During the period, 6,896 registrations, licences, certificates and other permits were issued.
A total of 4,920 applications were processed within the stipulated timeframe, while another 2,050 applications were processed after the prescribed timeframe.
The BFC also provided expert guidance and consultation in 845 cases, according to the briefing.
Qaiser Sheikh said the centre’s performance should ultimately be measured by its contribution to business activity, investment and employment generation.
Over 4,100 businesses facilitated
The minister said BFC Islamabad had facilitated more than 4,100 new businesses during its first year.
The facilitation also supported investment of more than Rs6.6 billion and helped create or support over 20,000 employment opportunities.
The centre recorded a total footfall of 8,554 individuals during the year.
The highest number of applications, 1,288, was received in December 2025, followed by 1,264 in January 2026 and 859 in July 2026.
One-window services for investors
Qaiser Sheikh said the BFC provides businesses and investors with essential information, guidance and relevant government services through a single platform.
He said the arrangement reduces the need for applicants to repeatedly visit different government offices, helping save time and simplify business-related procedures.
Improving the Ease of Doing Business remains a key government priority, he added, so that local and foreign investors can establish businesses, invest and expand their operations in Pakistan more easily.
The minister said the Board of Investment was also pursuing comprehensive regulatory reforms aimed at removing unnecessary barriers faced by the business community.
These reforms seek to reduce unnecessary procedures, paperwork, delays and institutional hurdles while creating a more conducive environment for business and investment.
BOI pursuing regulatory reforms
Qaiser Sheikh said investment promotion, business facilitation and regulatory reforms were closely interconnected and the BOI was working in a coordinated manner across these areas.
He said the ongoing reforms were intended to make access to government services easier, faster and more transparent for businesses and investors.
“The one-year performance of BFC Islamabad is encouraging; however, much greater progress is expected in the coming years,” the minister said, adding that the government would continue working to simplify business procedures and strengthen investment facilitation.
During his visit, Qaiser Sheikh inspected desks of various ministries and government departments operating from the BFC.
He reviewed the services being offered and the mechanisms used to facilitate businesses and investors. The minister also interacted with officers stationed at the desks, sought information about their functions and directed them to ensure effective and timely facilitation.
BFC staff recognised
Certificates of Appreciation were distributed among officers and staff in recognition of their contribution to the successful completion of the centre’s first year.
The minister appreciated the performance of the BFC team and said the dedication and professionalism of its officers and staff had contributed significantly to the centre’s achievements.
Qaiser Sheikh also participated in a cake-cutting ceremony with BFC officers and staff to mark the completion of one year since the centre’s establishment.
He said effective facilitation of the business community remained among the government’s key priorities and the BFC was playing an important role in translating this objective into practical outcomes.
The Board of Investment reiterated its commitment to promoting investment, facilitating businesses, advancing regulatory reforms and creating a more conducive business environment in Pakistan.