Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to rapidly translate National Regulatory Reforms into practical action, stressing that reforms must deliver visible and tangible benefits to the public rather than remain confined to policy statements and announcements.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the National Regulatory Reforms program in Lahore, the Prime Minister said the initiative should be implemented at a fast pace so that citizens across the country can feel real change in their daily lives. He emphasized that reforms must not remain theoretical but should be reflected in concrete actions from Peshawar to Karachi, ensuring uniform improvement in governance, business facilitation, and regulatory efficiency.
Shehbaz Sharif described the National Regulatory Reforms as a major and transformative step aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s regulatory framework. He said the reforms would significantly benefit the business community as well as the agricultural sector by reducing unnecessary hurdles, simplifying procedures, and improving transparency. According to the Prime Minister, an efficient regulatory environment is essential for economic growth, competitiveness, and job creation.
The Prime Minister noted that excessive and outdated regulations have long hindered investment and slowed down economic activity in the country. He said that by streamlining rules and introducing a more business-friendly regulatory system, the government aims to reduce costs, save time, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, farmers, and industrialists. He added that regulatory reforms are critical to improving Pakistan’s ranking in global ease-of-doing-business indicators.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan has now emerged from a severe economic crisis, pointing out that key economic indicators have shown improvement over recent months. He said that stabilization measures undertaken by the government have helped restore confidence in the economy, control inflationary pressures, and strengthen fiscal discipline. However, he cautioned that stabilization alone is not enough and that the next phase must focus on sustainable and long-term economic growth.
The Prime Minister emphasized that attracting foreign investment is now a top priority for the government. He said that international investors look for regulatory clarity, consistency, and efficiency before committing capital, and the National Regulatory Reforms program is designed to address these concerns. By reducing red tape and ensuring predictable regulations, Pakistan can position itself as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, he added.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture, Shehbaz Sharif said that regulatory improvements would also support farmers by making it easier to access inputs, markets, and financial services. He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that reforms must ensure that farmers are not burdened by unnecessary compliance requirements or bureaucratic delays. Improved regulations, he said, would help boost productivity, exports, and rural incomes.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for coordination among federal and provincial authorities to ensure the successful implementation of reforms. He said that regulatory changes must be applied consistently across all provinces so that businesses and investors face the same standards and procedures nationwide. This uniformity, he added, would help eliminate confusion and promote fairness.
Shehbaz Sharif directed relevant ministries and departments to take ownership of the reform agenda and ensure timely execution. He warned that delays and half-hearted implementation would undermine the purpose of the initiative and erode public trust. According to him, accountability mechanisms must be put in place to monitor progress and ensure that reforms deliver the intended outcomes.
The Prime Minister further said that digitalization would play a key role in regulatory reforms. He emphasized the use of technology to automate processes, reduce human discretion, and increase transparency. Digital platforms, he said, can significantly cut down processing times, minimize corruption, and improve service delivery to citizens and businesses alike.
