Islamabad, April 24, 2025 — In a strategic step aimed at enhancing investor confidence and improving the business climate, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a high-level committee to develop a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of investment in Pakistan.
The formation of this committee underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and stable economic environment where both domestic and international investors can thrive.
The committee’s core objective is to propose actionable recommendations that ensure the legal and regulatory protection of investment, thus positioning Pakistan as a preferred destination for long-term capital inflows. It will analyze the current investment landscape, identify systemic challenges, and craft solutions to strengthen the confidence of investors.
The committee, chaired by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, comprises the following members:
1. Haroon Akhtar Khan, SAPM for Industries and Production (Chairman)
2. Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice
3. Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production
4. Secretary, Board of Investment
5. Additional Secretary, Finance Division
6. Senior representative, Law and Justice Division
7. Abid Shaban, former member of the tax reform working group
8. Naeem Sheikh, Partner, Hassan & Naeem Chartered Accountants & Tax Consultants
9. President, Pakistan Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI)
10. President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
11. Any other coopted member as needed
The committee’s terms of reference include:
• Identifying key risks and barriers faced by both domestic and foreign investors
• Reviewing the existing legal and institutional mechanisms for the protection of investment
• Proposing an updated or entirely new framework to enhance investor security
• Recommending complementary measures to resolve other challenges affecting the investment environment
A high-level meeting was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan to initiate discussions on formulating a practical and forward-looking investment protection framework. The meeting featured detailed consultations on the obstacles investors encounter and the tools required to address them.
Haroon Akhtar stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz’s primary focus remains on expanding exports and attracting sustainable investment. “We are working toward a well-coordinated and legally robust framework to ensure protection for every rupee or dollar invested in Pakistan,” he said.
While speaking to PkRevenue.com, Abid Shaban, former member of the tax reform working group, stated that the constitution of the high-powered committee reflects the government’s strong commitment to building investor confidence and revitalizing economic activity across the country.
He emphasized that this timely initiative by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is exactly what Pakistan needs to attract and retain both domestic and foreign investment. “Establishing a clear framework for the protection of investment will not only restore trust among investors but also stimulate long-term growth and stability,” he said, adding that such steps are crucial for a resilient economic future.