On 1 April 2017, Pakistan Government has issued guidelines to the administrative heads of divisions, attached departments and autonomous bodies to facilitate domestic and foreign investment and the setting up of and running businesses in Pakistan.
According to a statement, the prime minister directed all federal ministries and departments concerned to prepare a comprehensive code of procedures, which will be followed by applicants and investors for the licence, sanction or permission for investment or setting up business in the country. The prime minister said that all such processes and transactions should be identified to streamline certifications, approvals, licences, permits or similar instruments.
The prime minister further said the procedure should be clearly laid down so that investors do not face hindrances due to lack of information. Specific time-frames should be followed to while processing the applications and the applicants should be informed at each stage of the process.
