Shujauddin Qureshi

Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister Qasim Naveed said the Sindh Business One Stop Shop (SBOSS) platform is undergoing a comprehensive enhancement process, with full rollout and integration targeted for completion by April 2026.“Efforts are underway to resolve technical and operational challenges identified during the earlier implementation phases, Waves 1 and 2, making the system more robust, efficient, and user-friendly for all stakeholders,” Naveed told Wealth Pakistan (WealthPK).

“This timeline encompasses the phased onboarding of various government departments, ensuring a smooth transition for each one into the digital ecosystem. Critical legal reforms are also in progress to support and streamline operations within the platform,” he added. The project involves a significant legal roadmap, including the proposal of over 250 legal amendments to modernise regulatory systems and fully integrate SBOSS’s online application and e-payment functionalities into the legal framework.

Breaking new ground in Pakistan's business landscape, the provincial government recently launched SBOSS, an innovative digital platform set to revolutionise business registration and licensing across the province. Powered by advanced integration with national databases and pioneering blockchain technology, SBOSS was launched by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. SBOSS offers entrepreneurs and small business owners an intuitive, round-the-clock online gateway to navigate complex regulatory procedures with unprecedented simplicity and transparency.

The platform has been developed with financial support from the World Bank under the Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) project. For long-term sustainability, the government of Sindh has taken institutional steps, including the cabinet’s approval on May 30, 2024, to establish the Sindh Investment Authority, which will oversee and sustain SBOSS operations and reform implementation.

The initiative marks a major step towards improving Sindh's — and the country’s — rankings on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index by making the regulatory environment more efficient and transparent. To ensure seamless coordination, Naveed told Wealth Pakistan that SBOSS is designed to integrate with the Pakistan Business One Stop Shop (PBOSS), which is currently under development. “Sindh is leading as the first province to launch such a system. Once PBOSS is live, this integration will allow real-time data sharing and synchronised approvals across federal and provincial levels for a truly unified business facilitation experience.”

Highlighting the Sindh government’s commitment to digitalisation, the chief minister’s aide said the provincial government, through CLICK, has conducted stakeholder engagement meetings at every stage of SBOSS development. “These sessions were held with representatives of small and medium enterprises, chambers of commerce, startup communities, private sector players, line departments, and other potential users.”

“Continuous engagement with stakeholders ensures the platform evolves with user needs and sector-specific feedback,” he remarked. The platform initially offers 32 e-licensing services across nine key departments, with plans to expand to over 130 regulatory services from 16 departments. On future plans, the special assistant to the CM said the next phase of SBOSS includes establishing business facilitation centres across the province and launching a 24/7 digital contact centre to support users.

SBOSS promises to transform the business environment for entrepreneurs and investors in the province by offering a consolidated digital platform that significantly reduces the time and cost associated with regulatory processes.

By eliminating the need to visit multiple offices and handle redundant paperwork, SBOSS provides a streamlined, transparent, and predictable environment, thereby reducing opportunities for corruption. Naveed said the platform’s round-the-clock accessibility serves businesses of all sizes — from large investors to small-scale entrepreneurs — enabling them to apply for services at their convenience and ultimately contributing to a more attractive investment climate in the province.

Credit: INP-WealthPk