Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Board of Investment (BOI) Islamabad have formalized a partnership to establish Pakistan’s first Business Facilitation Centre (BFC), aimed at streamlining business registration and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for investors. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by PITB Director General Government Digital Services Muhammad Waseem Bhatti and BOI Director General Zulfiqar Ali, setting the stage for comprehensive digitization and operational support.
Under the MoU, PITB will provide BOI with end-to-end digital solutions, including software development, hardware procurement, deployment, hosting, and staff training. PITB will also serve as a consultant in the construction of the BFC building and the execution of its operations. During discussions with BOI and Capital Development Authority representatives, Muhammad Waseem Bhatti offered guidance to enhance the building currently under development, reflecting a broader vision for modernizing investor services.
The initiative has already reached a major milestone with the inauguration of the first BFC in Islamabad by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Calling it a “game-changer for entrepreneurs,” the prime minister emphasized that the centre should not become “just another government office,” but a genuine platform delivering world-class service to both local and foreign investors.
The Islamabad facility has been designed as a one-stop hub where businesses can handle registration, licensing, and regulatory compliance in a single streamlined process. Investors will now be able to submit a single comprehensive application for establishing special economic zones or other ventures, with automated assessment of business type, export potential, job creation, and infrastructure requirements. Real-time application tracking will notify users of missing documents or delays, making the process faster and more transparent.
Prime Minister Sharif toured the centre and praised the competence of its staff, urging officials to ensure visitors receive genuine support without unnecessary delays. He also signaled plans to replicate the model nationwide if the Islamabad pilot succeeds, noting that Pakistan’s regulatory systems must meet global benchmarks to attract investment.
BOI officials acknowledged the leadership of PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf in driving Punjab’s digitization agenda and strengthening public service delivery. The collaboration is expected to foster long-term partnerships and explore future opportunities between PITB and BOI, emphasizing innovation and investor confidence.
The inauguration event was attended by senior government figures including Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, Ataullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ahad Cheema, and Dr. Musadik Malik, highlighting the high-level commitment to reforming Pakistan’s investment landscape. With foreign investment having lagged in recent years due to regulatory complexity, the BFC marks a decisive step toward creating a more business-friendly environment.