By Abdul Ghani

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has developed a broad-based investment roadmap covering 11 major sectors, with 583 initiatives, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The document highlights a diverse portfolio, ranging from industrial development and agriculture to technology, energy, minerals, tourism, and privatization.

The initiative portfolio is divided into three implementation categories. The document shows that 214 initiatives have been completed or partially completed, 224 are ongoing, while 145 remain in the work-in-progress category.

The largest share of initiatives falls under the industry sector with 90 initiatives, reflecting a focus on industrial expansion and manufacturing capacity.
Agriculture and IT & human resource development sectors each account for 75 initiatives, while minerals and health together represent 65 initiatives.
The other sectors covered in the roadmap include: Power: 55 initiatives; Finance: 54 initiatives; Petroleum: 50 initiatives; Tourism: 43 initiatives; Connectivity: 40 initiatives; Privatization: 24 initiatives; and Aviation: 12 initiatives.

The SIFC framework combines investment projects with regulatory and policy measures intended to improve investor facilitation.

The presentation identifies several projects being facilitated through the SIFC platform. These include the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), resumption of the JJVL LPG plant, issuance of licences for new cement plants, and a 15,000-acre land agreement between GCI and Al-Najd.

The document also highlights export-focused initiatives such as pine nut exports to China, pink salt export development through a joint venture between PMDC and MSCI (USA), and medicine export cooperation between DRAP and Afghanistan.

In the technology and digital sectors, the roadmap includes a joint venture between Google and Tech Valley for Chromebook manufacturing, along with approvals related to Special Technology Zones.

The energy and infrastructure initiatives include the Riyali Hydropower Project, Shewa gas pipeline-related matters, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor, including the Pipri Marshalling Yard.

Alongside project-level initiatives, the SIFC has listed multiple policy interventions designed to streamline investment processes. These include a revised visa policy with SIFC visa processing within 24 hours, a telecom infrastructure sharing framework, regulatory framework for battery storage, the National Space Policy and Space Rules, the Telecom Appellate Tribunal Bill, and reforms related to mineral policy and energy markets.

The document also highlights pharmaceutical sector measures, including amendments to drug regulations, approval of hardship cases and changes related to essential medicines.

The SIFC roadmap places emphasis on reducing procedural barriers, coordinating government institutions and creating an environment for investment across strategic sectors.

The progress of these initiatives will depend on their transition from approvals and facilitation stages to operational projects, production activity, and measurable economic outcomes.

Credit: INP-WealthPk