ISLAMABAD, April 29 — Pakistan is planning to centralize oversight of special economic zones in the federal capital through a proposed Federal SEZ Authority, a move aimed at accelerating investment approvals and advancing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The proposal, outlined in a document seen by Wealth Pakistan, seeks to streamline regulatory processes in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), where multiple approvals and institutional overlaps have slowed project implementation.
Currently, the Board of Investment (BOI) acts as the SEZ authority for Islamabad under the SEZ Act 2012. The government has proposed amending the law to establish a dedicated Federal SEZ Authority that would bring all SEZs in the capital under a single administrative framework.
One-window system for investors
Officials say the proposed authority would operate as a one-window platform to facilitate investors, particularly by reducing delays in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other regulatory clearances from multiple departments.
Approvals related to provincial jurisdictions would remain with provincial governments, while the federal authority would coordinate processes within ICT-based zones.
Focus on faster execution
The plan is intended to improve coordination among stakeholders, including government entities and foreign investors, and ensure smoother execution of industrial and infrastructure projects linked to SEZs.
By reducing procedural bottlenecks, authorities expect the move to support quicker decision-making and make Islamabad’s economic zones more accessible for investment.
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