Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
Ministers in any government are the beneficiaries of the system. They always show the positive and bright pictures to the nation to justify their rule on the masses. Most often they tell lies only with tall calimes while the situation on the ground is total different. Figures do not tell lies and present the real picture of the state of the state. As the ministers in Pakistan are doing the same thing, the experts in a forum have warned of the black side of the picture of Pakistani economy.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) hosted a productive and forward-looking session on the Pakistan Investment & Trade Summit (PITS) to discuss strategies for enhancing Pakistan’s investment environment and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
The session was addressed by LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, while LCCI Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Director General Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA) Dr. Talat Pasha, Rector of Forman Christian College University (FCCU) and Former U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Dr. Jonathan Addleton, and Director General Punjab Skills Development Authority (PSDA) Sarah Rashid, LCCI Executive Committee Member Abdul Majeed and Convener Standing Committee on Global Investment & Facilitation Samiullah Sami, Chairman of Bu Abdullah Investment Group, Dr. Bu Abdullah, Suhail Noor, Amile Gulzar, Tariq Asmat, Arisha Mansoor, and members of the business community.
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol highlighted the urgent need for long-term economic policies and policy continuity to attract sustainable investment into Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan received approximately US$1.64 billion in foreign direct investment during the last year, representing a significant decline compared to previous years.
He contrasted Pakistan’s performance with regional economies, stating that Indonesia attracted around US$22 billion, Vietnam US$20 billion, and Malaysia US$16 billion in FDI, underscoring the need for stronger investor confidence and economic reforms.
He said that Pakistan remains a large consumer market and an important gateway to Central Asia, offering significant opportunities for regional trade and investment. However, he stressed that investors require consistency in policies and a predictable business environment before making long-term commitments.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol also expressed concern over Pakistan’s dependence on remittances, noting that nearly 60 percent of remittance inflows originate from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He cautioned that ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties could adversely affect these inflows, making it imperative for Pakistan to strengthen exports and diversify sources of foreign exchange earnings.
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He emphasized the need to invest in youth skills development, enhance productivity and competitiveness, increase export earnings and reduce the burden of import expenditures. He said that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved through long-term planning, human capital development and stronger engagement with international markets.
Dr. Talat Pasha, Director General of the Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA), outlined the authority’s vision of protecting public health, enabling trade and driving innovation through world-class testing, certification and regulatory systems.
He said PAFDA has been established as a center of excellence in analysis and compliance, with a mandate covering regulatory oversight, trade facilitation, and research and innovation. The authority will provide testing and certification services across agriculture, food, feed, pharmaceuticals and related sectors to help Pakistani businesses meet international quality and safety standards.
Dr. Pasha informed participants that PAFDA will introduce several testing facilities for the first time in Pakistan, including testing of vaccines, cosmetics, biomedical devices, surgical implants and herbal products. He added that the authority is also establishing advanced research facilities, including a genomics laboratory for agriculture, food and pharmaceutical research.
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Dr. Jonathan Addleton, Rector of Forman Christian College University (FCCU) and former U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, emphasized the importance of strengthening links between education and industry for Pakistan’s long-term economic development.
He noted that educational institutions play a critical role in developing human capital, innovation and leadership, while also contributing to investment and international engagement. Drawing on his experience in diplomacy, development and education, Dr. Addleton stressed the strategic importance of strengthening economic and trade connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia.
He said Pakistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from greater regional integration and should capitalize on emerging opportunities in Central Asian markets. He also highlighted the significance of international partnerships in enhancing educational quality and institutional development.
Dr. Addleton shared that FCCU currently serves around 10,000 students and continues to focus on educational excellence and international standards. He informed participants that the university is progressing through the accreditation process with the New England Commission on Higher Education, the same accreditation body associated with leading institutions such as Harvard, Yale and MIT.
He further highlighted FCCU’s contribution to investment inflows through international partnerships and philanthropic support. Through its global network and the Friends of Forman organization, the university has attracted millions of dollars in support for scholarships, academic programs and infrastructure development.
Participants at the session exchanged views on measures to improve Pakistan’s investment climate, facilitate foreign direct investment, strengthen public-private partnerships, enhance workforce skills and expand international trade and economic cooperation.
