ISLAMABAD – Islamabad’s business community called for faster approvals and fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and now that demand appears to be gaining traction as CDA moves to establish a One-Window Business Centre to simplify procedures, improve investor confidence, and unlock fresh investment opportunities in the federal capital.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) agreed to establish Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) that will provide investors and traders with a one-window solution for a wide range of official services.
The understanding was reached during meeting between CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf and an ICCI delegation led by President Sardar Tahir Mehmood. Both sides emphasized the need to simplify government procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and create a more attractive environment for investment and business growth.
The proposed facilitation centre is expected to bring multiple CDA services under one roof, allowing businesses to complete regulatory and administrative processes through a single platform. Officials believe the initiative will shorten processing times, improve coordination among departments and make public services more accessible to entrepreneurs and investors.
During the meeting, the business community also raised concerns over the existing Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges. Responding to these issues, the CDA chairman announced that the authority would carry out a comprehensive review of the current fee structure to ensure it better supports commercial activity and investment.
Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf assured the delegation that the CDA remains committed to addressing genuine concerns of traders, developers and investors through transparent and practical policy measures. He said the authority recognizes the private sector as a key contributor to Pakistan’s economy and will continue introducing reforms that encourage investment and improve the ease of doing business in Islamabad.
The discussions covered several other matters affecting the capital’s business community, including Estate Management-I (EM-I), Estate Management-II (EM-II), land ownership and allotment issues, rehabilitation of affectees, Building Control Section (BCS) procedures, challenges facing the real estate sector and other administrative bottlenecks.
Speaking after the meeting, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood described the planned Business Facilitation Centre as an important step toward strengthening investor confidence. He said efficient public institutions, transparent regulations and close coordination between government agencies and the private sector are essential for sustainable economic growth.
He also welcomed the decision to reassess FAR charges, saying the move could help resolve long-standing concerns of the business community while making Islamabad a more competitive destination for local and foreign investment.
ICCI delegation included Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, Chairman of the Real Estate Committee Israr-ul-Haq Mashwani, Executive Member Zulqarnain Abbasi and prominent builder Haji Aslam.
