The rollout of the Ease of Doing Business Act, 2025, has been ordered to be accelerated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rebuild investor confidence and reduce regulatory pressure on businesses. A comprehensive implementation report has also been directed to be prepared. The reforms will be independently evaluated by international organisations to assess their impact. A more competitive business environment is being prioritised to attract domestic and foreign investment.

Possible hoarding of petroleum products has been flagged by Ogra and the Oil Companies Advisory Council amid expectations of a price increase. The issue was reviewed by the National Coordination and Management Council, where fuel availability, supply-chain conditions and pricing behaviour were examined. Price stability and uninterrupted supply were emphasised as rising consumption and volatile global oil markets continued to create pressure.

The Asian Development Bank has been formally appointed as the financial and transaction adviser for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport’s operations. A transaction advisory services agreement was signed between the Privatisation Commission and ADB. Under the agreement, technical, legal, financial, environmental and commercial expertise will be provided. A transparent and competitive bidding process will be supported, while leading international airport operators and investors will be targeted.