The federal government has greenlit 28 high-value projects under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). These initiatives are worth billions of dollars and are aimed at stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.
As part of this economic roadmap, the government has decided to invite investors from 23 countries. The list includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. These nations are expected to play a central role in the execution of priority projects.
Among the major ventures highlighted under the Special Investment Facilitation Council are the Saudi Aramco Refinery, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, and the Reko Diq mining project. These flagship projects are being offered specifically to Gulf investors.
Besides mega infrastructure and energy ventures, several emerging sectors have also been opened for foreign investment. These include corporate farming, technology zones, cloud infrastructure, semiconductor designing, and smart device manufacturing. The Special Investment Facilitation Council aims to transform these sectors into engines of economic growth.
To speed up the implementation process, the government will offer priority visas. These will be granted to foreign investors and skilled professionals from the 23 targeted countries. This move is part of the SIFC’s effort to reduce red tape and create an investor-friendly environment.
All the approved projects fall under SIFC’s core sectors. These include food production, agriculture, minerals, information technology, petroleum, and energy. The goal is to attract both capital and innovation in these critical areas.
In addition to foreign capital, the government is also exploring new financial mechanisms. One of the key proposals under review is the creation of the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund. This fund will provide equity financing for projects approved by the Special Investment Facilitation Council. It will serve as a support system to bridge funding gaps and enhance investor confidence.
Officials believe that with strong facilitation and effective policymaking, the projects under the Special Investment Facilitation Council will help drive economic recovery. These ventures are expected to bring large-scale foreign direct investment into Pakistan.
The government hopes that this initiative will not only boost economic activity but also position Pakistan as a regional hub for trade, agriculture, and technology development.