Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi on Tuesday stressed the need for immediate and meaningful reforms to overcome deep-rooted economic challenges and unlock the true potential of Pakistan’s economy.
In a statement, he said infrastructural deficiencies, regulatory hurdles, and high energy costs continue to limit the manufacturing sector’s potential, weakening Pakistan’s competitiveness regionally and globally. He noted that the export basket remains undiversified and dominated by low-value goods, which is hampering efforts to achieve higher export growth and attract much-needed foreign investment.
The ICCI president emphasized that genuine structural reforms, including tariff discipline, are crucial to avoid another circular debt crisis. He added that weak infrastructure remains one of the most significant obstacles to sustainable economic growth.
Highlighting the importance of consensus building, he said the most critical challenge is the lack of an inclusive political environment. He urged all stakeholders, particularly the business community, to be consulted on the reform process to ensure sustainability and long-term economic stability.
Qureshi reiterated that the ICCI has always played its due role in promoting the country’s economic development through its effective advocacy and by submitting genuine policy recommendations aimed at national economic well-being. He assured that the ICCI would continue to work closely with policymakers to advocate for pro-business reforms, improve the investment climate, and enhance Pakistan’s presence in international markets.