Investment Guide BOI

Karachi City, Pakistan
INVEST PAKISTAN
A guide to start investing in Pakistan
Ghazi Interchange, M-1
CONTENTS
Message of the Chairman iv
Message of the Secretary v
PAKISTAN AT A GLANCE
General Information 2
Currency 3
Macroeconomics 3
Trade 3
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 4
Infrastructure 5
Telecommunication 5
Key Industries/Sectors 5
Post COVID-19 Scenario 7
Life in Pakistan 8
INVESTMENT REGIME
Investment Policy 12
Taxation and Incentives 13
Key Initiatives 16
Cost of Doing Business 21
Exchange Policy and International
Banking Facilities 25
Investment Protection 25
INVESTMENT PROCEDURE
Starting a Business in Pakistan-Flowchart 30

Visas and Immigration Law 31
Starting a Company 33
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) 35
Land Ownership 39
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 39
Provincial Environmental Assessment 39
Construction Permits 43
Licenses 44
Employment 44
ANNEXURES
Annex-I: Useful Contacts 48

Annex-II: Licences / Certificates 51
Annex-III: Notified SEZs in Pakistan 52
With its unique geo-strategic location, vast human and natural resources and of course a phenomenal
growth potential, Pakistan provides attractive incentives and liberal policies for investment in all
sectors of the economy for both foreign and local investors.
The traditional as well as non-traditional sectors of our economy offer the business community
great opportunities to invest in the country and earn the maximum returns. The Food Processing,
Logistics, Automobiles, Information Technology and Information Technology enabled Services,
Housing & Construction, Manufacturing, Financial Business, Oil & Gas Exploration, Trade, Tourism,
and Textile sectors are some of the areas which are ripe for the foreign and domestic investment
for the mutual benefits of all. Pakistan follows liberal investment regime and believes in facilitating
the investors at the earliest.
Pakistan has introduced various reforms to improve business climate through its Ease of Doing
Business Initiative. Under the existing situation, when Covid-19 is affecting almost every country
around the globe, enabling business environment is required to exploit the available opportunities
and to neutralize the negative effects of the pandemic on SMEs. Introducing such initiatives like
online company registration, online payment of taxes, and e-registry etc. will definitely be a catalyst
in this direction.
The government of Pakistan is cognizant of various challenges to its economy and is undertaking
every possible effort to overcome these challenges within the shortest possible time.
I invite you to visit Pakistan and to harvest the maximum advantages of investment opportunities
in the country.
Mr. Atif Riaz Bokhari

Minister of State / Chairman
Board of Investment, Pakistan
Pakistan holds vast investment opportunities with lucrative returns to investors. The Government
as a policy has significant role of facilitating entrepreneurs to enhance ease of doing business. BOI
has been mandated to serve as facilitator to both local as well as foreign investors.
A number of massive infrastructure, power and other projects have been initiated which remained
instrumental in attracting private sector investment. Over the medium term the target is to increase
investment to 20% of GDP from its present level of around 15% of GDP.
Pakistan as an investment destination, offers friendly policies and commitment to maximize and
enhance investors comfort and confidence level. Almost all sectors of economy are open to
investment with attractive incentives and liberal policies.
The government is committed to enhance the business confidence and ease of doing business.
A number of reforms have been initiated to modernize the business regulatory framework.
Entrepreneurship seems to be blooming in the country as Security and Exchange Commission of
Pakistan (SECP) sees a sharp increase in registration of new businesses.
I welcome you to invest in Pakistan for the mutual benefits of all.
Mrs. Fareena Mazhar

Federal Secretary
Board of Investment, Pakistan
Attabad Lake, Gojal Valley
Invest in Pakistan
Pakistan at a Glance
Pakistan at A Glance 1 Investment Guide

Invest in Pakistan
General Information
Capital City Islamabad (1.13 million)

Major Cities Karachi (16.10 million)
(Population) Lahore (12.31 million)
Land Area 796,096 sq.km
Geography Located in the northwestern part of the South Asian subcontinent,
bordered by Iran on the west, Afghanistan on the northwest, China
on the northeast, India on the east, and the Arabian Sea on the south.
The Coastline 1,046km.
Climate Four seasons: Summer (April-July; hot with extreme temperature
upto 50 degree celsius), monsoon (August-September), Autumn
(October-November) and Winter (December-March). The coastal
area: generally warm or hot all year-round. The regions in the north:
snow in winter.
The climate varies according to location.
Population/Growth Rate 211.17 million / 1.94% (FY 2019)
Workforce population: 65.50 million (FY 2019)
Unemployment rate: 5.8 % (FY2019)
Language Urdu – National
English – Official and is widely spoken as a business language.
Other local languages: Sindhi, Balochi, Pashto, Punjabi, Birohi,
Siraiki, Sanskrit
Literacy Rate 62.3% (2017-18) 60% (2018-19, Revised)
Fiscal Year 1st July- 30th June
Time GMT+5
Code for International +92
Call
Office Hours 0900-1700
Public & Optional Public holidays: Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabi-ul-Awal), Kashmir Day
Holidays (February 5th), Pakistan Day (March 23rd), Labour Day (May 1st),
Independence Day (August 14th), Iqbal Day (November 9th), Birthday
of Quaid-e-Azam/ Christmas (December 25th)
Eid-ul-Fitr (1st Shiwal; 3 days), Eid-ul-Adha (10th Zil Haj; 3 Days),
Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram; 2 Days)
Bank holidays (Banks remains closed for public not for their
employees): 1st January & 1st July (every year), 1st Ramadan (subject
to appearance of moon)
Source: Pakistan Economic Survey (ESP) 2019-20, Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ministry of Interior (MOI),
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)

Invest in Pakistan
Currency
Currency Pakistan Rupees (PKR), October, 2020.

1US$ PKR 162.49
1€ PKR 190.25
1 CNH PKR 24.26
1 JPN PKR 1.54
Source: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
Macroeconomics
Indicators FY2020 (October, 2020)

GDPp (million PKR) 41,726,683
(million US$) 256,795 (1US$=PKR162.49)
GDP per Capita (US$) 1,355
GDP Growth Ratep (-) 0.38%
Inflation Ratep 10.7% (6.8%; FY2019)
FDIp Net (million US$) 2,561.2
Investment to GDP Ratio 15.4%
*p=Projected
Sources: ESP, 2019-20., MOF, SBP
Trade
Exports (2019/20) 22,507 million US$

1 Textile & Textile Articles 57.1%
2 Vegetable Products 14.7%
3 Mineral Products 4.4%
Major Items
4 Prepared Foodstuffs; Beverages, Spirits, Vinegar 3.7%
and Tobacco
5 Live Animals and Animals Products 3.6%
1 United States of America 17.3%
2 China 7.4%
Major Partner Countries 3 United Kingdom 7.3%
4 Germany 5.8%
5 United Arab Emirates 5.7%

Invest in Pakistan
Imports (2019/20) 42,417 million US$

1 Mineral Products 25%
2 Machinery and Mechanical Appliances 14.1%
Major Items 3 Products of Chemical and Allied Industries 12.1%
4 Textile and Textile Articles 7.9%
5 Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals 7.6%
1 China 22.6%
2 United Arab Emirates 10.6%
Major Partner Countries 3 Singapore 5.6%
4 United States of America 5.3%
5 Qatar 3.8%
Source: SBP
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Net FDI (2019/20) 2,561.2 million US$*

1. Power 29.8% (764.3 m.)
2. Communication (IT&Telecom) 24.3% (622.5 m.)
3. Oil & Gas 12.2% (311.4 m.)
4. Financial Business 10.7% (273.8 m.)
Major Sectors
5. Textile 1.47% (37.7 m.)
6. Trade 1.27% (32.7 m.)
7. Construction 0.81% (20.7 m.)
8. Chemicals 0.81% (20.7 m.)
1. China 33.0% (844.1 m.)
2. Hong Kong 7.45% (190.7 m.)
3. Netherlands 5.20% (133.2 m.)
4. UK 4.58% (117.3 m.)
Major Partner 5. USA 3.79% (97.2 m.)
Countries 6. Switzerland 2.41% (61.8 m.)
7. Italy 2.2% (56.4 m.)
8. Japan 2.04% (52.4 m.)
9. Turkey 0.97% (24.9 m.)
10. Austria 0.14% (3.8 m.)
*Detailed breakup of FDI is given on the website of BOI
Source: Board of Investment (BOI)

Invest in Pakistan
Infrastructure
International Airports 12 (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot,

Faisalabad, Quetta, Rahim Yar Khan, Turbat, Gwadar, D.G.Khan)
Ports 03 (Karachi Port, Port Qasim, Gwadar Port)
Highways/Motorways 12,131 km
Total Road Network 270,971 km
Railway Network Broad-gauge: 11,881 km, Meter-gauge: 876 km
Special Economic Zones 19 notified, of which 03 are under China Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC)
Export Processing Zones 06
Sources: National Highway Authority (NHA), Ministry of Railways (MoR), BOI
Telecommunication (as of August, 2020)
Cellular Subscribers 169 million (Teledensity: 79.65%)

Basic Telephony Subscribers 3 million (Teledensity: 1.13%)
3G/ 4G Subscribers 85 million (Penetration: 39.98%)
Broadband Subscribers 87 million (Penetration: 40.95%)
Source: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
Key Industries/Sectors
S.No. Sectors Key Highlights

The food industry, the 2nd largest industry of Pakistan accounts for 27%
of value-added production and 16% of employment in the manufacturing
sector, and its annual average of FDI (2012 -2018) is US$255.9 million.
Pakistan is the 4th largest milk producer, 3rd largest pine nuts producer and
1 Food
5th largest date producer and is also an internationally recognized producer
of mangoes and citrus fruits.
Potential areas for investment are dairy, value addition in fruits, frozen
food, olive oil extraction, potato powder, halal food, fish and fish products.

Invest in Pakistan
Textile industry is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. It is the most
important manufacturing sector of Pakistan and contributes nearly one-fourth
of industrial value-addition and provides employment to approximately 40
percent of industrial labour force. It has the longest production chain, with
inherent potential for value addition at each stage of processing, from cotton
to ginning, spinning, fabric, dyeing and finishing, made-ups and garments. It
has a processing capacity of 5.2 billion square meters annually and is among
2 Textile
the top 5 producers of cotton, yarn and hosiery. The sector comprises 46%
of the total manufacturing. The abundance of raw material is a big advantage
for Pakistan due to its beneficial impact on cost and operational lead time.
A complete textile value chain exists and hence it is a good location for
outsourcing production as well.
Potential areas for investment are yarn production, integrated shuttle-less
looms, ready-made garments, hosiery, knitwear and sportswear industries.
The Government of Pakistan (GoP) introduced Digital Pakistan Policy (2018)
to create a digital ecosystem. Over 2,000 IT companies are operating in
Pakistan and more than 300,000 English-speaking IT experts, and around
20,000 IT graduates each year enter the job market and can be hired for
reasonable salaries. The country is overall ranked 4th in the global market
3 IT & ITeS
for freelance development earning US$ 1.2 billion and Pakistan’s IT exports
alone have marked 70% rise in the last 3 years. Excellent incentives are also
being offered to investors.
Potential areas for investment are development of software houses,
e-commerce, IT parks, incubation centers, etc.
The automotive sector contributes 2.8% to GDP and Rs. 30 billion to the
national exchequer in terms of taxes and duties. Pakistan’s automobile
industry is fastest growing in Asia. The production and sales have both
grown by 171% and 172.5% respectively between 2014 and 2018. Under the
Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21, tax incentives are offered
to new automakers and hence major brands are setting up their assembly
4 Automotive
plants in Pakistan. There are 2,283 spare part units in Pakistan comprised of
83 assemblers, and 2,200 manufacturers.
Potential areas for investment are production of jeeps/suvs, trucks,
motorcycles, pick-ups, cars, tractors and auto parts–e.g. upgrading
technologies in many areas including spark plugs, automotive lights, clutch
plates, pressure plates, engine components, etc.
Pakistan has 3 major sea ports, 14 dry ports, approx. 200 freight stations
operated by Pakistan Railways and offshore exclusive economic zone
covering an area of 240,000sq km. Transport itself contributes 22.3% of the
services sector GDP and accounts for approximately 6% of the nation’s total
employment.
Pakistan’s population travels nearly 400 billion passenger kilometers (pkm)
each year and this is expected to rise to 1,000 billion pkm by 2030. More than
10 cities will have over 2 million inhabitants by 2030 and projected demand
5 Logistics
for freight transport will be doubled by 2025, and with another sixfold increase
it will reach 600 billion tones killometer (tkm) by 2050. Impact of CPEC will
be enormous as 1,100 km long motorways, railway line between Karachi
and Peshawar, railway link to China, gas pipeline and 09 Special Economic
Zones (SEZs) are to be built.
Potential areas for investment are supply chain management such as
warehousing and cold chain logistics, air freight, trucking, international/urban/
inter-urban transportation, courier services, etc.

Invest in Pakistan

Pakistan is the 5th most populous country in the world, with more than 220
million citizens and more than 60 million strong labor force. The country’s
annual demand of housing is estimated to be about 700,000 units, while
only about half of this demand is currently being met. On the whole, the
housing backlog is estimated to be between 11-12 million housing units.
The Government of Pakistan has accorded the status of priority to Housing
Housing
Sector with a plan to construct 5 million units over coming five years. A
6 and
special organization called ‘Naya Pakistan Housing and Development
Construction
Authority (NPHDA)’ has been established to implement this plan. On
4th April 2020, the Prime Minister has unveiled an attractive package of
incentives for construction industry including tax concessions, Government
subsidies and simplification of regulatory framework. Therefore, this
sector presents great potential for investment along with opportunities for
lucrative returns.
Pakistan has a blend of beauty and historic sites, ranging from the peaks of
Karakorum to the historic civilization of Mohenjo-Daro. Tourism development
can be a massive source of earning in Pakistan as it possesses top-class
tourist attractions from the stunning Himalayan peaks, beautiful lakes,
scenic valleys, rich culture, centuries-old civilizations, vast deserts, golden
beaches of Makran to all the other natural and man-made attractions. In
addition to this, the country has a long water coast of the Arabian Sea
in the southern region. Tourism services such as airlines, hotels, resorts,
road transportation provide unique business avenues to investors in the
7 Tourism diversified geographical regions of Pakistan.
The present government has pledged to turnaround the tourism industry to
improve Pakistan’s international image and increase its direct contribution
to GDP. Tourism in Pakistan has undoubtedly immense potential given our
diverse culture, heritage and natural endowment. Tourism and Hospitality
industry serves as a significant source of foreign exchange revenues,
contributing to 0.9% of country’s GDP. The present investment policy and
the sectoral developments make tourism a desired investment destination.
Potential areas for investment are hospitality and related services,
accommodation, attraction development and transportation.
*Detailed information on above sectors and their potentials for investment are available on the BOI website.
Post COVID-19 Scenario
The end of 2019 marked the start of a global fight against an invisible enemy, COVID-19. The
abrupt outbreak of the pandemic all over the world has disturbed the political, social, economic,
religious, and financial structures across the globe. The scale of recession in global economy was
so alarming that some experts have feared that the present recession may supersede the great
depression. Moody’s Investors Service suggested that real global GDP will contract by 0.5% in
2020, previously the agency forecasted that it will grow by 2.6%.
However, in these troubled times the wise management of the pandemic and a vibrant recovery
policy has saved Pakistan from experiencing the worst. Pakistan has re-boosted its efforts to build
the investors’ confidence. The wide social and economic disruptions caused by the pandemic have
shaken the economic activity.

Invest in Pakistan
On the bright side, however, several opportunities in many sectors have emerged. In response,
companies in multiple sectors are already transforming their products, processes and business
models. As per the Sectoral Risk Assessment, FDI may contract in tourism, automotive, luxury
goods, and aviation but at the same time the growth opportunities can be harnessed in food
procession, consumer goods, logistics, entertainment and communication, financial services,
e-commerce, ed-tech, health-tech etc.
Life in Pakistan
Expatriates in Pakistan can live a comfortable life as welcoming hospitality, professional services
and modern facilities are all available.
Housing
In most urban areas in Pakistan like the capital city of Islamabad and the largest commercial
cities of Lahore and Karachi, availability of suitable expatriate accommodation, with full security
provisions, is very good. Furnished properties can also be found for rent and search of your home
in Pakistan is manageable even online. The range of rent varies depending on location, size,
facilities, etc. Some examples for rentals of house/apartment are given below.
Type Area Rent (Rs.) City Location
2 Bed Room (BR) 270sq.yd/230 m 2
150,000-220,000 Islamabad Diplomatic Enclave,
Apartment (Furnished) Sector G-5
3 BR Apartment 360sq.yd/300m2 230,000-300,000 Islamabad The Centaurus,
(Furnished) Sector F-8
3 BR Apartment 360sq.yd/300m2 180,000-200,000 Karachi DHA Pase 8, Creek
Vista
5 BR House 350sq.yd/292m2 140,000-170,000 Karachi Naval Housing
Scheme
3 BR Apartment (Furnished) 360sq.yd/300m2 100,000-150,000 Lahore DHA Phase-4 and 5
Source: zameen.com
Schooling
Although there are government run schools available also for foreigners, most expatriates choose
for private schooling for their children. There are satisfactory private pre-primary, primary and
secondary schools and a range of international schools in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Invest in Pakistan
Health Care
Pakistan has excellent health care services. Medical facilities are generally good in major cities
where emergency medical assistance can be available by just dialing the emergency helpline such
as 1122 (Rescue Service), 115 (Edhi Ambulance Service).
Security
In public buildings and facilities, security control is placed, and safe city projects have been
launched in urban centers to control street crimes. For more private purposes, trusted private
security companies are well established in major cities that provide efficient security services.
Tourism
From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus
river in the South, Pakistan is a land of high adventure and nature. The strength of Pakistan lies
in its rich historical and cultural heritage with the oldest civilizations like Indus Valley Civilization
to magnificent Mughal era architecture. The eye catching views of valley of Hunza, abundance of
glaciers and Himalayan Mountains are some of the natural spectacles that attract tourists. The
hospitality industry has been expanding simultaneously in the Northern areas of Pakistan with a few
luxurious hotels opening up in the mountainous regions. Many tourism agencies are operational
and multi-lingual tourist guides are available.
Leisure
Pakistan offers a wealth of leisure opportunities since sports activities such as fitness, golf, tennis,
swimming, squash, football, rugby, jogging, walking, hiking and horse riding are in easy access.
Local and international cuisine are served in a very good range of restaurants and cafeterias.
Cultural services including cinemas, theaters and museums are provided reasonably.
Shopping
There are many shopping places from traditional markets to well-stocked supermarkets and mini-
markets offering a good variety of food and household items. Chemists, bookstores and electronics
shops have diverse lineup of products. Clothing shopping offers a wide variety owing to the world
renowned textile industry at home. The modern and efficient shopping malls in major cities are
open till late night every day, and thus most of the expatriates’ household needs can be fulfilled at
any time round the clock.

Invest in Pakistan

Invest in Pakistan
Investment Regime
Investment Regime 11 Investment Guide

Invest in Pakistan
Investment Policy
Pakistan’s liberal investment regime and its enthusiastic facilitation are the cornerstones for its
strategy to achieve investors’ confidence and enable a conducive environment to attract local
and foreign investment. The first Investment Policy was framed by BOI in 1997 which opened all
economic sectors including infrastructure, social, and services for foreign investment. Keeping in
view the importance of investment for economic growth and fast economic globalization trends
around the world, Investment Policy 2013 was formulated to further improve the investment climate
in the country. Guiding principles of Investment Policy 2013 are as follow:
1. Reducing the cost of doing business in Pakistan

2. Reducing the processes of doing business
3. Ease of doing business with creation of industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones
4. Linkages of trade, industrial and monetary policies for greater convergence
Investment Policy, 2013 is a logical evolutionary enhancement of the 1997 Policy. It reinforces the
components of its predecessor policy, consolidates existing policies promulgated by the related
line ministries, and introduces further liberalized policy along with futuristic strategic programs to
implement the policy. The formulation of Investment Policy, 2013 was done keeping in view the
global investment trends, regional trends & experiences, Pakistan investment data/ flows over time
and present day economic challenges. The goal of Investment Policy 2013 is to address and adjust
economic priorities in the face of changing global scenario of economic slowdown. The Policy will
be instrumental to achieve progressive increase in FDI inflow.
However, To address the economic priorities in the face of changing global and regional economic
scenarios and to achieve the targets for sustainable economic growth in the country, Board of
Investment (BOI) in collaboration with International Finance Corporation - World Bank Group
is working on modification of the existing Investment Policy and has come up with the draft of
Investment Policy 2020. The relevant Stakeholders have been consulted on the new draft of
Investment Policy 2020. Further codal formalities are being fulfilled for approval of Investment
Policy 2020.
Investment Regime
Lansdowne Bridge, Sukkur 12 Investment Guide
Invest in Pakistan
Investment Policy Matrix
Non-Manufacturing Sectors
Manufacturing
Policy Parameters Infrastructure Servicesd, IT &
Sector Agriculture
& Social Telecom
Not required except
Government Not required except for specific licenses from
for 4 specified
Permission(s) concerned agencies
Industriesa
Remittance of capital,
Allowed Allowed
profits, dividends, etc.
Upper limit of foreign 100%b 100%
100% 100%
equity allowed 60:40c 49%d
Customs duty on 0-5%
5% 0% 5%
import of PME*
Tax relief (IDA**, % of
25% 25%
PME cost)
No restriction for
Royalty and technical Allowed as per guidelines of Foreign Exchange
payment of royalty
fee Manual 2020
&technical fee
a. Specified Industries are: Arms and ammunitions; High Explosives; Radioactive substances; Security Printing,
Currency and Mint
b. Corporate Agriculture Farming (CAF) only
c. Other than CAF (60% to Foreigner)
d. Financial Business and Airline
*PME= Plant, Machinery and Equipment
**IDA= Initial Depreciation Allowance
Source: BOI
Taxation and Incentives
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is responsible for the formulation of tax policy whilst the Federal
Board of Revenue (FBR) is responsible for administering the taxes. The main legislative framework
of taxation is provided in the “Income Tax Ordinance, 2001”. The Government of Pakistan is looking
to encourage businesses inside the country and much of the tax incentives it provides aim to
increase economic activity within the country and attract foreign investors to its shores. Keeping
this in mind, the government has announced a new tax regime whereby starting from 2019 until
2023 and onwards, the corporate tax rates for small companies will see a yearly reduction as per
the following table:
Company/Tax Type Tax Rate %
Banking company 35
Public company other than banking company 29
Any other company 29
Small company 23 (will reduce by 1% each year till 2023)
GST (Sales Tax/VAT) 17
Sales tax (services) 16
Customs duty 0-20 except auto items
Federal excise duty 0-16 for specific items only
Source: FBR

Invest in Pakistan
Incentives
Major fiscal incentives for investors are summarized in the following chart.
Incentives Conditions
Special Economic SEZs Developer:
Zones  One-time exemption from custom-duties on import of capital goods for
setting up of a SEZ
 Income Tax exemption from the date of signing of Development
Agreement of the zone.
Zone Enterprise
 One-time exemption from custom-duties on import of Capital Goods into
SEZ
 Income Tax exemption for 10 years from the date the developer certifies
that the zone enterprise has commenced commercial operation
Export Processing  Exemption of all custom duties and taxes of machinery, equipment, and
Zone materials
 Freedom from national import regulations and not applicable of exchange
control regulations of Pakistan
 No sales tax on inputs including electricity / gas bills
 Domestic market available to the extent of 20%
Gwadar Free  Tax holiday for establishing business for 23 years and for contractors and
Zone sub-contractors for 20 years
 Exemption from customs duty for 40 years on import of equipment and
material
 Exemption from minimum tax for concession holders and operating
companies
Automobile Greenfield Investment:
Under the  Exemption from custom-duties for import of plant and machinery for
“Automotive setting up the assembly and/or manufacturing facility on a one-time
Development basis.
Policy (ADP)  Import of 100 vehicles of the same variant in CBU at 50% of the prevailing
2016-2021” duty for test marketing after ground breaking of the project. (normally
more than 50% depending on engine capacity)
 Concessional rate of custom duty from 30% to 10% on non-localized
parts for five years
 Concessional rate of custom duty from 45% to 25% on localized parts for
five years
 Concessional rate of custom duty from 35% to 10% on both localized
and non-localized parts against a normal rate of 35% for three years
Brownfield Investment:
 Concessional rate of custom duty at a rate of 10% on non-localized parts
against normal rate of 30% for three years
 Concessional rate of custom duty at a rate of 25% on localized parts
against normal rate of 45% for three years
 Concessional rate of custom duty at a rate of 10% on both localized and
non-localized parts against a normal rate of 35% for three years
IT & ITeS  Exemption of income tax on IT & ITeS exports till June 2025
 Exemption of income tax for Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)
registered IT start-ups for 3 years
 Tax holiday for venture capital funds till 2024
 Accelerated depreciation of 30% on computer equipment

Invest in Pakistan
Incentives Conditions
General  Tax credit for employment generation by manufacturers – the rate 2% of tax
(Income Tax payable for every 50 employees. (64B)
Ordinance,  First year tax credit for enlistment – the rate of 20 % of tax payable for registration
2001) in Pakistan. (65C)
 5-year tax holiday - the form of 100% tax credit allowed for new industrial
undertaking before 30 June 2021 (65D)
 First year investment allowance for industrial undertakings in specified rural and
under developed areas. (23A)
Power  Exemption of tax on income from power generation projects
Generation  Reduced tax rate of 7.5% against 15% standard rate on Dividend to shareholders
 Exemption of minimum tax on turnover.
Renewable  Exemption from custom-duties and taxes on import of equipment

Energy  Exemption from income tax / withholding tax and sales tax
 Repatriation of equity along with dividends freely allowed
 Convertibility of PKR into USD
 Attractive tariff (cost plus 17% ROE), indexed to inflation & exchange rate variation
(Rupee / Dollar)
 Government’s sovereign guarantee
 Permission to issue corporate registered bonds
In addition:
 Wind risk (risk of variability of wind speed).
 Guaranteed electricity purchase by power purchaser
 Grid provision is the responsibility of the purchaser
 Carbon credits available.
Oil & Gas  Income tax holiday for 20 years
 Exemption from all duties, taxes, surcharges and levies on import, by a refinery
project
 Provision of a pricing mechanism which shall be no less favorable than the
prevailing mechanism
 Facilitation in infrastructure such as Single Point Mooring (SPM), Jetties, subsea/
land pipelines etc.
 Waiver of Development Surcharge (DS) on the value of exports under the Export
Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) Rules, 1981.
 The imported crude oil transportation pipelines and its storages will be integrated
part of the refinery project and will also avail all incentives as given above
Coal Mining  Exemption of tax from income of coal mining projects
 Exemption from minimum tax on turnover
 Exemption from withholding tax from dividend received by shareholders for 30
years
 Input tax adjustment for power producing units using Thar coal
 Free of sales tax on import of coal-mining machinery and equipment for Thar coal
Housing and  Special provisions relating to builders and developers (Income Tax Ordinance-
Construction ITO 100D) – new or incomplete existing project to be completed by the 30th
September, 2022.
 The definition of Industrial Undertaking to include construction sector, which
enables the sector to avail tax benefits available to an industrial undertaking
 Exemption from minimum turnover tax under ITO section 113 and advance
corporate tax under ITO 113C on the turnover, income, profits and gains
 Exemption of income tax and tax withholding obligations under ITO section 150
 Exemption of withholding taxes on purchase of building materials
Source: FBR

Invest in Pakistan
Countries with Bilateral avoidance of double Taxation Treaty
Pakistan has bilateral taxation treaties (full-scope) with a number of countries as listed below:
Sr. Country Sr. Country Sr. Country Sr. Country Sr. Country
1 Austria 14 Finland 27 Kuwait 40 Philippines 53 Syria
2 Azerbaijan 15 France 28 Kyrgyz Rep. 41 Poland 54 Tajikistan
3 Bahrain 16 Germany 29 Lebanon 42 Portugal 55 Thailand
4 Bangladesh 17 Hong Kong 30 Libya 43 Qatar 56 Tunisia
5 Belarus 18 Hungary 31 Malaysia 44 Romania 57 Turkey
6 Belgium 19 Indonesia 32 Malta 45 Saudi Arabia 58 Turkmenistan
7 Bosnia & 20 Iran 33 Mauritius 46 Serbia 59 UAE
Herzegovina
8 Brunei 21 Ireland 34 Morocco 47 Singapore 60 UK
Darussalam
9 Canada 22 Italy 35 Nepal 48 South Africa 61 Ukraine
10 China 23 Japan 36 Netherlands 49 Spain 62 USA
11 Czech Rep. 24 Jordan 37 Nigeria 50 Sri Lanka 63 Uzbekistan
12 Denmark 25 Kazakhstan 38 Norway 51 Sweden 64 Vietnam
13 Egypt 26 South Korea 39 Oman 52 Switzerland 65 Yemen
Source: FBR
Key Initiatives
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)

BoI is the Secretariat of the steering Committee on EoDB, headed by the Prime Minister. World
Bank’s EoDB report measures 10 business indicators across 190 countries on annual basis. In
Pakistan, EoDB reforms are carried out through well structured plans. Doing Business Reform
Strategy 2018-21 was a comprehensive plan to improve business environment in the country.most
of the reforms have already been completed, some are under implementation under 6th EoDB
reform plan. The strategy encompasses a set of comprehensive reform actions to be implemented
by various stakeholders at federal and provincial level. The reforms focus on regulatory changes,
improving technology and simplification of procedures.
Key EoDB reforms performed in 2019

Pakistan has climbed 28 places and placed at 108th position out of 190 countries in the World
Bank’s Doing Business Report, 2020. The enactment of six regulatory reforms has landed Pakistan
among the world’s top 10 business climate improvers. In 2019, following reforms/steps taken by
the government in consultation with provincial governments to improve Ease of Doing Business:
 Starting a Business - Registering a company has been automated and it can now be registered
in one day with SECP and FBR.
 Registering Property - Registration of commercial property has now been made online and
it can now be registered in 22 days in Lahore and 149 days in Karachi instead of 25 and 208
days respectively in the past.
 Dealing with Construction Permits - Approval process has been streamlined and now takes

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108 days in Lahore and 134 days in Karachi as opposed to 266 and 261 days respectively
before the reforms.
 Paying Taxes - Online payment of Taxes has been introduced. The number of payments is
now measured as 34 instead of 47 and time for paying taxes has reduced substantially.
 Getting Electricity - Online portals of Lahore Electric Supply Company Ltd. (LESCO) and
Karachi Electric Supply Company Ltd. (K-Electric) have been launched. Commercial electricity
connection can now be obtained in 73 days in Lahore and 134 days in Karachi as opposed to
117 and 185 days respectively before the reforms.
 Trading Across Borders - Customs processes have been automated by introducing WEBOC
(Web Based One Customs, a web based system for filing Goods Declaration (GD) for import
and export cargo, developed by Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd.) software which has
reduced time for exports from 75 hours to 58 hours and time for Imports from 143 hours to 96
hours.
Much more reforms have been implemented and some are under implementation through 6th
Reform Plan, These reforms will further improve business facilitation and overall EoDB ranking.
some of them are as under;
• Online Processing of Complaints by NEPRA • Simplifying tax administration & regulations
• Bank Account Opening Facility through • Automating Payment of Stamp duties
SECP e-service • Commercial courts and automation in
• National One window for Trading Across Karachi
Border • Amending regulations for Minority investors
• Establishing Notice Based Collateral • Creating awareness on Bankruptcy laws
registry
For the DB Report 2021, 73 reform actions and 30 data challenges have been submitted to the
World Bank. It is expected that Pakistan will be able to secure a ranking among top 90 economies.
The DB Report 2021 is delayed and expected early next year.
Board of Investment (BOI) has launched 6th Reforms Action Plan on 27th August 2020. A Review
Meeting with all stakeholders was held on 12 October 2020 under the chairpersonship of Secretary
BOI. The progress is being pursued on daily basis. As per the directions of Prime Minister, BOI has
rolled out the EODB initiative in Baluchistan and Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa Provinces. EoDB Working
Groups have been formed in both Provinces.

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Pakistan’s
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
Ranking
Indicator Positions Jumped EoDB Report EoDB Report

2020 2019
Overall - out of 190 28 108 136
Starting a business (reform) 58 72 130
Dealing with Construction Permits 54 112 166
Getting Electricity (reform) 44 123 167
Registering Property 10 151 161
Paying Taxes 12 161 173
Trading Across Borders 31 111 142
Getting Credit (7) 119 112
Protecting Minority Investors (2) 28 26
Enforcing Contracts 0 156 156
Resolving Insolvency (Negative Data Correction) (5) 58 53
Source: BOI
Industrial Cooperation under CPEC

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a 2,700 km of economic corridor with high level
infrastructure development linking Urumqi in Western China to Pakistan’s centers of Lahore,
Islamabad, Karachi and ultimately the Gwadar port, through a network of roads, railway and other
modes of communication and transportation. It is a driving force for economic growth and taking
the fruits of CPEC to the lesser developed regions of Pakistan. The aim is the transformation
of trade corridors into Economic Corridors. For this purpose, during the 6th meeting of Joint
Cooperation Committee (JCC) held in December 2016, Board of Investment (BoI) was designated
as lead agency on Industrial Cooperation (IC) Chairman BoI was designated as the convener of
the Working Group on IC from Pakistan’s side. An MoU on Industrial Cooperation was signed on
20-12-2018. As result of the meeting, Nine (09) sites were noted as prioritized SEZs.
1. Rashakai SEZ : Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
2. Dhabeji SEZ : Thatta, Sindh
3. Allama Iqbal SEZ : Faisalabad, Punjab
4. Boston Special Economic Zone : Quetta, Balochistan
5. Moqpondass SEZ : Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan
6. ICT SEZ : Islamabad City Territory
7. Jinnah Industrial Park on Pakistan Steel land : Port Qasim, Karachi
8. Mirpur Industrial Zone : Azad Jummu & Kashmir
9. Mohmand Marble City : Mohmand Agency, KP.
After implementation of the early harvest projects, the ground is set to generate positive socio-
economic impacts of CPEC by enhancing industrial collaboration. This will help create efficient and

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competitive industrial clusters to attract investment and to diversify exports.
The Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), an apex forum of China Pakistan Economic Corridor
assigned Board of Investment, Pakistan and National Development and Reform Commission
(NDRC), China to ensure holistic planning, promote Pakistan’s potentials to attract Chinese export-
led foreign direct investment, relocate labour intensive Chinese industries and establish SEZs and
industrial parks in Pakistan.
The Sino-Pakistan’s MoU, signed during 8th JCC, envisages cooperation in different sectors
including textile, petrochemical, iron & steel, and automobile. Pakistan and China have identified
09 sites for development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), however, it was decided to prioritize
the development of 4 SEZs in the first phase. The SEZs that are in advance stage include Rashakai
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dhabeji in Sindh, M-3 Allama Iqbal SEZ in Punjab and Bostan SEZ,
Balochistan. Government of Pakistan has already allocated adequate funds to ensure the provision
of utilities and other allied facilities in line with the development of these zones
The Long-Term Plan of CPEC calls for the promotion of quality, efficiency, and value addition in
different sectors. It envisages cooperation in sector such as textile, chemical & pharmaceutical,
engineering goods, agro, iron & steel, light manufacturing & home appliances, and construction
materials to meet domestic demands and expansion to the foreign market. A consensus is
being developed during the course of 5th Joint Working Group Meeting that besides traditional
sectors, there will a collaboration in smart sectors e.g pharmaceutical, health, education, artificial
intelligence, service and tourism sector.
The Plan focuses to jointly explore Pakistan’s rich mineral resources and develop mineral processing
zones and industry. Gwadar, the deep seaport of Pakistan, could play a key role to expand and
transform Pakistan’s trade and logistics sector to optimize regional trade structure.
This industrial cooperation between the two countries would surely pave the way for the transfer
of technology. Establishment of the special economic zone under CPEC would support to ensure
full use of Pakistan’s potential in natural resources, improve Sino-Pakistan business linkages &
joint ventures, create an investment-friendly environment, and increase trade ties. Development
of industrial cluster under CPEC would transform Pakistan’s economy by ensuring a sustainable
long-term growth. SEZs has the potential to take CPEC’s benefits to less developed regions of the
country, increase employment opportunities thus to help eradicate poverty.
A Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established in BoI for Industrial Cooperation
under CPEC to market and facilitate the projects/ activities in collaboration with the concerned
stakeholders and to resolve their issues. The PMU has achieved the key milestones in 2019-20
which include; (i) Textile Industrial Diagnosis by Chinese Experts, (ii) organization of 9th JCC, 4th
and 5th Joint Working Groups (JWGs) Meeting on Industrial Cooperation under CPEC, (iii) 02
Joint Ventures/ Business Cooperation, (iv) International Seminar on Industrial Parks & Industrial
Policy (v) Formulation of Draft Framework Agreement on Industrial Cooperation (vi) preparation of
03 sectoral studies and (vii) Facilitation in signing of Development Agreement of Rashakai SEZ.

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Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative (PRMI)
The Prime Minister of Pakistan has launched “Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative” to
transform the regulatory landscape across the 3 tiers of government; federal, provincial and local
government in Pakistan. PRMI is a comprehensive reform initiative that brings together all provinces,
territories, and their respective departments to map, simplify, eliminate and automate regulatory
landscape to reduce burden on businesses and elevate Pakistan among the top destinations for
investment.
A high-level Steering Committee (comprising representation from all provinces/regions and

business community) has been formed to oversee the PRMI activities under the Chairmanship
of the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce & Investment. The Board of Investment has
been designated as the lead agency for this initiative. The key objectives of this initiative are
to harmonize Registrations, Licenses/ Certificates, and other Permits (RLCOs) and reduce the
compliance burden of businesses, especially those in the SME sector. The final outcome of PRMI is
establishment of Pakistan Business Portal (PBP), an online one stop shop of business regulations
and e-payments.
A comprehensive Draft Strategy Document (containing road map and timelines) has been prepared
and circulated to the members of Steering Committee on PRMI for their comments and feedback
before finalization. A PMRI Digital Portal has been created to showcase the reforms journey, PRMI
activities, documents and presentations and list of RLCOs collected and compiled so far for easy
access. This digital platform (accessible at https://pakistandoingbusiness.com/prmi/) is a real time
inventory of 550 RLCOs. PRMI Working Groups have also been constituted in Punjab, Sindh, KP
and AJK while constitution of PRMI Working Groups in Balochistan, Gilgat-Baltistan and Islamabad
Capital Territory (ICT) Administration are in their final stages. To steer the regulatory reforms
process, the capacity building workshops of PRMI focal persons of Federal Government and
Government of Balochistan was conducted on 5th October 2020 at Islamabad and 5th November
2020 Quetta respectively while Capacity building workshops for focal persons of Punjab, KP, AJK,
GB and ICT Administration are being planned.

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Cost of Doing Business
Starting a Business
Registration of company/office
Type of Registration Processing Fees in PKR/US$
Registration of a company (based on nominal share capital) Rs.1,000*
Registration of a Branch Office $3,000
Renewal of a Branch Office $1,000 per year
Registration of a sub-office of a Branch Office $1,500
Registration of a Liaison Office $2,000
Renewal of a Liaison Office $500 per year
Registration of a sub-office of a Liaison Office $1,000
*Fee calculator is available on Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) website
Source: SECP
Office Rental: Some examples of office rent in major cities are as follows:
Type/Name City Area Rent in PKR/US$
Serena Business Complex Islamabad 2,000sqf (185m ) 2
$ 15,000 (7.5$/sqf)
Multi-tenant building Islamabad 2,000sqf (185m ) 2
Rs. 200,000-230,000
Finance & Trade Center Building Karachi 2,200sqf (204m ) 2
Rs. 350,000
Source: Zameen.com
Human Resource
Wage varies depending on qualification, location, etc. The below rates are sample ranges of rough
indication. The minimum monthly wage is Rs.16,000.
Position Monthly Salary in US$
1 General Manager 2,000-3,500
2 Manager 1,000-1,300
3 Technical Specialist (Programmer/Engineer) 500-800
4 Office Staff 200 -400
5 Non Skilled Workers 110-200
6 Drivers 130-150
Source: Cost of Doing Business in Pakistan, 2016., Engineering Development Body (EDB) & Japan External
Trade Organization (JETRO) 2018.

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Transport and Logistics
Fuel
Item Type Rs./Liter
Petroleum Oil Lubricants (POL)* E10 Gasoline 95.05
Altron Premium 100.11
Action+Diesel 101.46
LDO 56.24
SKO 59.32
JP-1 48.64
High Speed Diesel (HSD) For sale through retail outlet/others or direct 107.25**
sale to customers by the company
*Prices have been announced on 1st & 16th day of every month, ** Prices applicable from 25 March, 2020
Sources: Pakistan State Oil (PSO), as of 26th June, 2020., Pakistan Economic Survey 2019-20, Finance
Division, MOF
Utilities
Electricity
Lahore Area
Fixed Charges Applicable Variable Minimum Monthly
Tariff Category / Particulars
Rs/kW*/M Charges, Rs/kWh** Charges in Rs.
General Supply Tariff - Commercial
A1 For Sanctioned load less than 5kW - 17.83
A2 For Sanctioned load 5kW & above 400 15.03 175***
or
Time of Use Peak Off 350****
A3 Time of Use 400 18.00 12.50
General Services
A4 General Services - 17.56 same above
*Kilowatt, **Kilowatt per hour, ***Single Phase Connection, ****Three Phase Connection
Source: LESCO, Electricity Tariff, 2020.
Fixed Charges Applicable Variable Minimum Monthly

Tariff Category / Particulars
Rs/kW/M Charges, Rs/kWh Charges in Rs.
Industrial Supply Tariff
B1(a) Upto 25 kW (at 400/230 volts) - 15.28 350
B2(a) Exceeding 25-500 kW (at 400 Volts) 400 14.78 2,000
Time of Use Peak Off
B1(b) Upto 25 kW - 18.84 13.28 350
B2(b) Exceeding 25-500 kW (at 400 Volts) 400 18.87 13.07 2,000
B3 For All Loads up to 5000 kW(at 11,33
380 18.78 12.98 50,000
kV*)
B4 For All Loads (at 66,132 kV & above) 360 18.78 12.88 500,000
*Kilovolt
Source: LESCO, Electricity Tariff, 2020.

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Karachi Area
Fixed Variable Minimum
Surcharge
Tariff Category / Particulars Charges Charges Monthly
Rs/kWh
Rs/kW/M Rs/kWh Charges in Rs.
General Supply Tariff – Commercial
A1 For Sanctioned load less than 5 kW 400 0.17 17.83
A2 For Sanctioned load 5kW & above 400 0.97 15.03 175*
or
Time of Use Peak Off Peak Off
350**
A3 Time of Use 400 - - 18.00 12.50
*Single Phase Connection, ** Three Phase Connection
Source: K-Electric, Electricity Tariff, 2020.
Variable Minimum
Fixed Surcharge
Tariff Category / Particulars Charges Monthly
Charges Rs/kWh
Rs/kWh Charges in Rs.
Industrial Supply Tariffs
B1 Less than 5 kW (at 400/230 volts) 0.17 14.23 350
B2(a) 5-500 kW (at 400 Volts) 400 1.07 12.93 2,000
B3(a) For all loads upto 5000 kW (at 380 3.61 12.53
50,000
11, 33 kV)
B4(a) For all loads upto 5000 kW (at 360 3.61 12.13
500,000
66, 132 kV)
Time of Use Peak Off Peak Off
B2(b) 5-500 kW (at 400 volts) 400 - 0.21 18.00 12.08 2,000
B3(b) For all loads upto 5000 kW 380 0.17 0.62 17.83 11.58
50,000
(at 11, 33 kV)
B4(b) For all loads upto 5000 kW 360 0.67 0.77 17.33 11.33
500,000
(at 66, 132 kV)
B5 For all loads (at 220kV & above) 340 1.17 0.92 16.83 11.08 1000,000
Source: GoP, vide Notification no. SRO 571(1)/2016 dated: 24th June, 2016.
Gas
Gas Price By Industries Minimum Charges/Month in Rs. Flat Rate ( Rs./MMBTU)
Commercial Sectors* 4,625.60 980.00
General Industrial** 26,301.60 780.00
Textile*** and Surgical Goods Company 20,232.00 600.00
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Company 33,045.60 980.00
Cement Company 32,877.00 975.00
Independent Power Producer 21,209.88 629.00
Captive Power 26,301.60 780.00
*All establishments registered as commercial units with local authorities or dealing in consumer item for direct commercial
sale like café, bakeries, milk-shops, tea stalls, canteens, barber shop, laundries, hotels, malls, places of entertainment
like cinemas, clubs, theaters and private offices, corporate firms etc., **All consumers engaged in the processing of
industrial raw material into value added finished products irrespective of the volume of gas consumed including hotel
industry., ***Textile includes jute, carpets, leather and sports goods.
Source: Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)

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Water
Lahore Area
Consumption Slab/Month Rates / Existing Tariff (Rs./1,000 Gallon)
Upto 5,000 Gallons 51.95
5,001 to 20,000 Gallons 92.82
20,001 Gallons and above* 134.27
* If meter is not available/installed on the water connection then 60,000 Gallons per month average will be charged.
Source: Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA)
Karachi Area (Bulk Supply)

Type Rs./Per 1,000 Gallons
Domestic 142
Industrial 242
Commercial 242
Hydrant 242
Source: Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB)
Telecommunication
Setting of Landline Connection Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)
Package Installation Fee (Inclusive of tax) in Rs.
Only Landline 2,499
Landline + Internet GPON Fiber 5,000
Communication Rates 780 (Monthly)
Internet
Package Internet Charges (exclusive of tax) per Month in Rs.
6Mbps 1,799
8Mbps 2,249
15Mbps 2,749
25Mbps 3,299
50Mbps 5,099
100Mbps 7,599
Mobile Wi-Fi - PTCL, CharJi 4G LTE

Device Price Rs.,2500
Volume 20GB 30GB 50GB 75GB 100GB
Monthly line-rent(Rs.)* 1,000 1,250 1,500 2,000 2,500
*Billing Mode: Prepaid/Post-paid, Validity: 30days, Inclusive tax

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Exchange Policy and International Banking Facilities
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is incorporated under the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956,
which gives the bank the authority to function as the central bank of the country. The SBP Act
mandates the bank to regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan and to foster its growth
in the best national interest with a view to securing monetary stability and full utilization of the
country’s productive resources. Pakistan’s banking system comprises of SBP (central bank),
commercial banks (public and private), investment banks, credit unions, and many other national
and international financial services companies. The financial institutions in Pakistan can be found
on the website of SBP (www.sbp.org.pk).
Foreign exchange policy and its operations in Pakistan are formulated and regulated in accordance
with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947. The object of this Act is to
regulate, in the economic and financial interest of Pakistan, certain payments, dealings in foreign
exchange, securities, import/export of currency and bullion. SBP issues “Foreign Exchange Manual”
by incorporating the changes made in the foreign exchange rules and regulations through various
foreign exchange circulars/circular letters/notifications etc. and the manual can be obtained from
SBP’s website. Pakistan has a liberal foreign exchange regime in which100 percent repatriation
of profits and dividends are allowed. Since May 1999, Pakistan has been following a market-
based flexible exchange rate system. Inter-bank rate applies to all foreign exchange receipts and
payments both in the public and private sectors.
Investment Protection
Pakistan provides legal protection of foreign investors and investment through “Foreign Private
Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1976” and “Protection of Economic Reforms Act,
1992”. Pakistan is a signatory to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and other
international organizations and agreements which strengthen financial safety and security. This
guarantees protection of foreign investment in cases of war, strife, disasters, and other disturbances
or in cases of expropriation.
New Investment Law

To improve the existing legal framework relating to facilitation, promotion and protection of
investment, Board of Investment (BOI) with the assistance of International Finance Corporation
(IFC), World Bank has drafted a new Investment Law. The new law will replace and consolidate all
the existing laws relating to investment by improving and bringing them at par with the international
best practices.

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Bilateral Investment Treaties
Pakistan has bilateral investment agreements with 48 countries and these investment treaties
generally include dispute settlement provisions. The list of partner countries is available at BOI’s
website (www.invest.gov.pk).
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) administers and coordinates all
government systems for protection and strengthening of Intellectual Property (IP) in Pakistan, and
since April 2005, the patents office is a part of IPO-Pakistan. The types of intellectual property
rights protection being offered / in-process in Pakistan are patents, layout design of IC (Integrated
Circuit), designs, copyrights, trademarks, plant breeders rights, Genetic Resources, Traditional
Knowledge, and Folklore (GRTKF), and geographical indications (GIs). Application forms and
information of applicable fees for registration can be obtained from the website of IPO-Pakistan
(www.ipo.gov.pk).
Patents
Patentable Inventions in Pakistan - in order to be patentable, an invention should have the following
characteristics:
 The invention should be a process or a product
 The invention should be novel or new
 It involves an inventive step
 It is capable of industrial application
Patent applications are examined under the Patents Ordinance, 2000 and the Patents Rules, 2003.
Types of Patent Application

 Patent applications can be applied in the following manners:
 An ordinary patent application with “provisional or complete specification”, which is dated
as of the official date of the application for the patent.
 A convention patent application claiming, “right of priority”, which is dated as of the official
date of the corresponding application for patent first made in a country which is the member
of WTO (World Trade Organization).
 Application for a patent of addition, for improvement or modification of an invention for
which a patent has already been applied for or granted.
Copyrights
IPO copyright office provides services for registration of a copyright work. The registration of
copyright work is voluntary and granted only if an owner files an application as per prescribed
method. However, registration of copyright work is recommended, as a certificate issued by the
Copyright Office serves as prima-facie evidence to prove the ownership of copyright before the
court of law or any authority. Since 2008, the copyright office is in process to digitize and scan the
copyright files and data and so far 52,306 copyright files have been digitized and 42,130 Copyright
artistic works have been scanned through the Copyright Administration System (CAS) software
prepared and installed by Copyright Office. IPO-Pakistan regional office Lahore and head office
Islamabad have been interconnected with Copyright Office Karachi by VPN technology to access

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Copyright Automation System (CAS) for data entry. The relevant laws and regulations can be
found in the Copyright Ordinance, 1962; the Copyright Rules of, 1967 as amended in 2002; the
International Copyright Order, 1968; and the Copyright Board (Procedure) Regulations 1981.
Steps for Registration of Copyright

Step 1-Filing of application Step 2-Examination
Step 3-Publication in newspaper (Artistic work only) Step 4-Opposition (if any)
Step 5-Issuance of certificate by registrar (Registration)
Trademarks
Trademarks Registry (TMR), a premier body of IPO-Pakistan, works for the registration of trade
and services marks under the Trademarks Ordinance, 2001. It is a federal government body and
its jurisdiction for trade and services marks lies within the geographical boundary of Pakistan. It
works as a civil court and its decisions are appealable at the provincial high courts. The Trademarks
Registry is headed by a Registrar and its head office is in Karachi and Regional Office situated in
Lahore.
Procedure for Registration of Trademark
Source: Guidelines for Filing Trademarks Application in Pakistan, IPO-Pakistan

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Investment Procedure 28 Investment Guide

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Investment Procedure

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Flowchart

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Visas and Immigration Law
Visas and Immigration Law

Ministry of Interior is responsible to grant/extend all categories of visas of foreigners.
Work Visa
BOI grants Work Visas to the foreign technical and managerial personnel for the purpose of
imparting technical know-how and skills to the local population. The duration of work visa is one
year. As per Visa Policy cases of grant and extension of Work Visas are processed within 4 weeks
by BOI.
The Government of Pakistan (GoP) has launched the new e-visa portal for 191 countries from 29th
April, 2019. The companies employing expatriates from these 191 countries are required to submit
their work visa application on e-visa portal. The BOI grants work visa for a period of one year,
which is also extendable for further period of one year with multiple entries and charge processing
fee to the tune of US$100 per person per year. The company is required to submit processing fee
in BOI’s account maintained at National Bank of Pakistan, Main Branch, Civic Centre, Islamabad.
The original payment receipt along with one set of documents should be submitted to BOI with
cover letter clearly indicating the eleven-digit case ID.
To apply online work visa, the following documents are required:-

 Company’s cover letter stating the period of visa required and other necessary details.
 Passport’s consisting of three pages i.e., information, entry and last visa page.
 Colored Photographs.
 Company’s Registration Certificate.
 Employment Agreements.
 Confirmation/ guarantee of the credentials of the expatriates by the company on their letter
head.
 Company Profile.
 Work / Family visa processing fee details.
 FBR National Tax Number (NTN) certificate
Family Visit Visa

The BOI grants Family visit visa to the family of expatriates working in Pakistan for a period of one
year. The company is required to apply their cases on e-visa portal. Pakistan Missions abroad are
also authorized to grant 5 years validity and one year stay multiple entry visa to the foreigners of
Pakistan origin and their foreign spouses, which shall be processed within 7-10 working days.
Business Visa
To facilitate travel and stay in Pakistan of foreign businesspersons and investors, business visa
policies have been considerably relaxed. Ministry of Interior (MOI) grants business visas to
the foreign business persons of 96 business friendly countries, who intend to invest or explore

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business opportunities in Pakistan. Pakistan Missions are also allowed to grant 5 years multiple-
entry business visa within 24 hours to business persons of 96 Business Visa List (BVL) countries
subject to the production of any of the following and as per list of countries mentioned below:
 Recommendation letter from CC&I of the respective foreign country.
 Invitation letter from business organization duly recommended by the concerned Trade
Organization.
 Recommendatory letter by Honorary Investment Counselor of BOI/Commercial Attaché`.
 Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) for 30 days to be granted to businessmen of 96 BVL countries on
production of any of the above-mentioned documents.
Multiple entry business visa for 5 years shall be granted within 24 hours, subject to provision of
requisite documents.
List of 96 Business Friendly Countries (BVL)
Algeria Greece Norway
Angola Guatemala Oman
Argentina Guinea Panama
Australia Guinea-Bissau Paraguay
Austria Honduras Peru
Azerbaijan Hong Kong Philippines
Bahrain Hungary Poland
Bangladesh Indonesia Portugal
Belgium Iran Qatar
Benin Iraq Romania
Brazil Ireland Russia
Bulgaria Italy Saudi Arabia
Cambodia Japan Senegal
Cameron Jordan Sierra Lone
Canada Kazakhstan Singapore
Chile Kenya Slovenia
China Korea, Republic South Africa
Columbia Kuwait South Sudan
Comoros Latvia Spain
Côte d’Ivoire Lebanon Sri Lanka
Croatia Lithuania Sweden
Czech Republic Madagascar Switzerland
Denmark Malaysia Tanzania
Djibouti Mauritius Thailand
Ecuador Mexico Togo
Egypt Montenegro Tunisia
Estonia Morocco Turkey
Finland Mozambique Ukraine
France Myanmar United Arab Emirates
Gambia Netherlands United Kingdom
Germany New Zealand United States of America
Ghana Nigeria Vietnam

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Starting a Company
Pakistan is very welcoming towards foreign investors. Foreign investors can establish their
business / company through Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), which is
responsible for registration of companies in Pakistan. Registering a company has been automated
and it can now be registered in one day with SECP and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Details
on overview of legal entities, types of legal entities, how to register company and alternatives to
register company are as under:
Overview of Legal Entities

Minimum No. of Minimum Capital Standard Time of
Type of Entity
Shareholders Requirement Incorporation
PKR 100,000*
Private Limited Company 2 6 weeks
(US$ 600)
PKR 100,000*
Single Member Company 1 4 weeks
(US$ 600)
PKR.200* million
Public Limited Company (Listed) 3 6 weeks
(US$ 1.2M)
PKR 100,000*
Public Limited Company (Unlisted) 3 6 weeks
(US$ 600)
Branch Office No shareholders N/A 7 weeks
Liaison Office/Representative Office No shareholders N/A 7 weeks
*Subject to the present exchange rate of dollar
Source: SECP
Types of Legal Entities in Pakistan

The following types of legal entities exist in Pakistan.
Private Limited Company

Foreign investors can set up fully foreign-owned Private Limited Companies (PLCs) in Pakistan.
The minimum number of shareholders needed in order to register this kind of company is two (02).
The minimum capital requirement in case of PLCs is PKR 100,000 (US$ 600). Another requirement
is that the registered address of the company’s office must be in Pakistan. The incorporation time
of a Limited Liability Company in Pakistan with SECP & FBR is one day.
Single Member Company

Foreign investors can set up a single member company in Pakistan with only one shareholder with
a minimum capital of PKR 100,000 (US$ 600)*. The incorporation time is one day and registered
address of the company should be in Pakistan.
* Subject to the present exchange rate of dollar
Public Limited Company

A Public Limited Company has their shares offered to the general public. Those shares are with
limited liability. Anyone can acquire the shares. It may be through a public offering or through

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trading in the stock market. There are two types of public limited companies in Pakistan, unlisted
and listed. The details are listed below.
Criteria Listed Unlisted
Allowed Foreign Ownership 100% 100%
PKR 200 million PKR 100,000
Minimum Capital
(US$ 1.2 mn)* (US$ 600)*
Yes. Shares must be subscribed by at least 500
Listed in Stock Exchange No
applicants
Minimum No. of Shareholders 7 3
Time of Incorporation One day One day
*Subjected to the present exchange rate of dollar
Source: SECP
Steps for Registration of Company
Step 1: Approval of Company Name

This is the first step of company registration in Pakistan is choosing the company’s name. It is
important to devise a unique company name that would set you apart from the rest in the industry.
Step 2: Submission of Documents
Once the company name gets the approval, you need to submit the incorporation documents to the
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Step 3: Certificate of Incorporation
After submitting the documents, the SECP evaluates them. They check their validity. A digital
signature is granted by the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) and can
be acquired through the SECP. They issue the certificate of incorporation. Presentation of the
company’s details may be needed. However, this depends on where the business started.
Step 4: Deposit of Shares
After the registration, shareholders must deposit their corresponding amount of shares purchased
in the company’s bank account.
Step 5: Registration of Income, Sales, and Professional Taxes
The last step of company registration in Pakistan is the registration with the FBR and issuance of
the NTN. A sales tax registration number may be registered if applicable.
The procedure of registering a Public Limited Company is same as above. However, they may
require you to submit more documents.
Alternatives to Register Company
Branch Office
A branch office is an alternative to company registration if your company wants to have a presence
in Pakistan without setting up a separate legal entity. Branches carrying out a contract in Pakistan
can be established. A branch office, however, cannot take part in any commercial or trading activities
of whatever nature. Therefore, your activities depend on the contract you signed. The contract
restricts your activities. The parent company owns 100% of the branch office in the country of
origin. It does not require any minimum capital. Process time for the registration takes up to seven
weeks. The permit can be valid for 1 to 5 years if it has an approval from the BOI.

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Liaison Office
If you want to promote your products in Pakistan, you can set up a 100% foreign-owned liaison
office here. Besides product promotion, you can also provide technical advice and assistance,
explore the various possibilities of joint collaboration, and export promotion in Pakistan. However,
this type of office cannot engage in commercial or trading activities and it is not subjected to
any minimum capital. The standard time for establishing a liaison office in Pakistan is seven (7)
weeks. Therefore, once granted your permit will have a validity period of 1 to 5 years. The Board
of Investment (BOI) needs to approve it.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
Special Economic Zones are being established with the aim of achieving various policy objectives,
such as attracting FDI, generating employment and uplifting general economic fabric of the
country. Special Economic Zones are established as per the provisions of Special Economic Zone
Act 2012, Rules 2013 and any amendments made thereof. Since the promulgation of Special
Economic Zone Act, twenty-two SEZs have been approved by the competent authority. There are
a total of 22 approved SEZs. These are listed in the table below. A detailed sectoral breakup of
SEZs is given in Annexure III.
Sr. No. Name of the Approved SEZs Location
1 M3-Industrial City M4, on Sahianwala Interchange, Faisalabad, Punjab.
2 Value Addition City (VAC) 1.5 km away from Khurrianwala city, Faisalabad
3 Quaid-e-Azam Business Park Lahore-Islamabad Motorway at Sheikhupura
4 Korangi Creek Industrial Park Sector 38, Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi, Sindh.
Main National Highway (Adjacent to Arabian Sea Country
5 Bin Qasim Industrial Park
Club) Bin Qasim Town, Karachi, Sindh
6 Hattar SEZ Hattar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Tando Nazar Ali on main National Highway, near Khairpur
7 Khairpur SEZ
Town in Taluka and District Khairpur
8 Rahim Yar Khan Industrial Estate Eastern CPEC Route - 30 KM from M-5, Punjab
6 KMs from Vehari city on Khanewal- Vehari Road, 110
9 Vehari Industrial Estate
KMs East of Multan-Faisalabad Motorway, Punjab
10 Bhalwal Industrial Estate 15 km from Motorway M-2, Bhalwal, Punjab
Behind Chakri Service Area/ Off M-2, Mouza Sihal,
11 Oil Village SEZ
Rawalpindi, Punjab
6.5 KMs off Lahore-Shaikhpura Road, along the UCC,
12 Rachna Industrial Park
Punjab
13 Hub SEZ Mouza Pathra, Tehsil Hub, District Lasbela, Balochistan
14 Naushahro Feroze Industrial Park Naushahro Feroze District near N-5, Sindh
Tehsil & District Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (along
15 Rashakai SEZ
M1, adjacent to Swat Expressway, Opp. CPEC City)
16 Bostan SEZ District Pishin, 35 KM from Quetta, Balochistan
Sahianwala Interchange, M-3 Motorway, Faisalabad,
17 Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC)
Punjab.
National Science & Technology National University of Science & Technology (NUST),
18
Park (NSTP) H-13 Sector, Islamabad

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Sr. No. Name of the Approved SEZs Location
19 JW-SEZ China Pakistan SEZ Raiwind, Lahore
20 Dhabeji SEZ (In-principle) Dhabeji, Thatta, Sindh
21 Service SEZ Jamshoro, Sindh
22 Siddiqsons Tin Plate SEZ Hub, Balochistan
There are a total of 09 proposed SEZs under CPEC as mentioned above, out of which following 4
are already approved, while the rest are in advance phase of development.
• Rashakai SEZ, KP • Bostan SEZ, Balochistan
• Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC), Punjab • Dhabeji SEZ (in-principle), Sindh
Source: Project Management Unit (CPEC-ICDP), BOI
Procedure for Approval of Zone Application

Under the Special Economic Zone Act 2012, the SEZs can be established through three modes; by
public sector, by private sector and through public private partnership. A developer of a zone shall
meet the criteria prescribed in the Annexure-5 of the First Schedule to the SEZ Rules, 2013. He
shall submit zone application on the prescribed format as per Annexure-7 of the Schedule along-
with all the prescribed documents as mentioned in Annexure-6 of the SEZ Rules, 2013. The Zone
Application is then submitted to the SEZ authority of the province in which the zone is located.
After scrutiny of the Zone application, it shall be submitted to the Board of Investment (BOI) for
further submission to the forum of Board of Approvals (BOA) by the SEZ authority of the respective
province. The BOA is an apex forum of approval, headed by the Prime Minister. The BOA shall
review every zone application submitted to it by the SEZ authority to ensure that the proposal is
in conformity with the provisions of the Act, any applicable regulations made under the Act and
other applicable provisions of law. If a zone application is approved by the BOA, the concerned
SEZ authority shall select a developer in accordance with applicable zone regulations. Such zone
regulations shall require that envisaged development agreements be notified for competitive

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bidding. After negotiating a development agreement, the concerned SEZ authority shall submit a
final agreement for approval to the BOA.
The BOA may condition its approval of a development agreement on the fulfillment of such
conditions as it deems fit and according to the laid down criteria. After final approval, the
development agreement shall be signed jointly by the secretary of the BOA, on behalf of the
Federation of Pakistan and by the Chief Executive Officer of the concerned SEZ authority on
behalf of the respective provincial government.
After the approval of the Development Agreement and on fulfilment of certain conditions laid down
in the Law, the developer may avail the incentives devised under the respective.
The SEZ authority may simultaneously submit both a zone application and a development
agreement to the BOA for provisional approval, provided that, the developer in question either
owns all immovable property in the proposed SEZ or holds leasehold rights; and no additional
incentives shall be granted by the SEZ authority.
Source: BOI
The Zone Enterprise Admission Procedure
The zone enterprise admission criteria shall be as prescribed in annex-1 of the first schedule to the
SEZ rules. However, specific zone enterprise admission criteria may be prescribed for each type
or group of SEZs.
Procedure for the admission of zone enterprise is as follows:

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1. Every person wishing to establish a zone enterprise shall submit 06 copies of the zone
enterprise entry application to SEZ Committee as prescribed in the Annex-3 along with the
prescribed documents as per Annex- 2 of the first schedule to the SEZ rules.
2. The Office of the SEZ committee shall issue formal acknowledgment of the receipt of
zone enterprise entry application. A copy of the application shall be emailed/faxed/sent
to provincial Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), SEZ authority, SEZ secretariat/head
office in Islamabad, developer, BOI and concerned district government for information and
necessary actions at their end.
3. All zone enterprise entry applications shall be kept confidential by all persons within the
SEZ committee, the SEZ authority and the BOA who have access to them.
4. A zone enterprise entry application shall be examined by the concerned SEZ committee
within thirty (30) working days. SEZ committee may seek such additional information/
documents as it may deem appropriate.
5. The zone entry application should meet the zone enterprise admission criteria, the zone
regulations and the terms and conditions of the respective development agreement.
6. The SEZ committee shall convey its approval of the zone enterprise entry application on
the prescribed format as per annex-4 of first schedule within thirty (30) working days with
intimation to provincial IPA, SEZA, SEZ secretariat/head office in Islamabad, the developer,
BOI and concerned district government. The SEZ committee shall also forward the copy
of its approval of zone enterprise entry application to developer with recommendation to
admit the zone enterprise in the SEZ. The developer, upon receipt of the approval of SEZ
committee shall take necessary steps leading to admission of the zone enterprise in the
SEZ in accordance with section 24 of the Act.
7. In case if the zone entry application is not approved by SEZ committee, SEZ committee will
issue a rejection letter within thirty (30) days stating the reasons of such rejection and that
the applicant has a right of appeal to the SEZ authority.
8. The applicant may file an appeal to the concerned SEZ authority against the rejection letter
within thirty (30) days.
9. Upon receipt of appeal, SEZ authority’s sub-committee delegated with the power of hearing
such appeals shall hear such appeal within next thirty days (30) of the date of receipt
of such appeal. The applicant may appear before the said sub-committee in person or
through authorized representative. The SEZ authority’s sub-committee shall hear the
appeal in accordance with the applicable zone regulations and development agreement
and its decision shall be final in all respects.

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Land Ownership
Foreigners can own land in Pakistan, after incorporation of company in SECP. However, land is a
provincial subject in Pakistan and regulations for land acquisition varies from province to province.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), an attached department of the Ministry of

Climate Change, is responsible to implement the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA),
1997 including approval of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE).
Provincial Environmental Assessment
EPAs have been established in all the provinces to deal with urban and industrial pollution. In
addition, an EPA has also been established in Azad Kashmir and in Gilgit Baltistan. After the
delegation of functions, the mandate of provincial EPAs has become very comprehensive and
large. They have full authority to handle the environmental management in their respective
provinces. Their mandate is to: a) implement rules and regulations prepared under PEPA 1997
and additional legislation as per the needs of the province, b) prepare and implement provincial
environmental standards, c) develop provincial systems for the implementation of pollution charges
d) conduct research & development for promoting most viable environmental technologies, e)
certify laboratories, f) involve local governments in the implementation of PEPA 1997 (section 8.5),
g) promote environmental awareness and incorporate environmental issues in the educational
curriculum, h) prepare provincial level environmental disaster management plans, i) collaborate and
coordinate with stakeholders for the effective implementation of environmental policies and PEPA
1997 (section 8.5), j) entertain inquiries and complaints raised by stakeholders, k) mobilize national
and international financial resources for the environmental projects, l) develop provincial level fiscal
programs and financial incentives for environmental compliance, m) fix pollution charges, n) conduct
investigations against polluters, o) assist courts by generating field level environmental data about
the polluters, p) establish environmental laboratories, q) implement IEE/EIA rules and regulations
and guidelines, r) manage hazardous wastes under the Hazardous Substance (HS) rules, and s)
monitor vehicles for controlling air pollution. Environment sections have also been established in
the provincial Planning and Development (P&D) departments. These are responsible for reviewing
provincial development plans and activities, including screening of projects to determine their
effects on the environment and reviewing and sanctioning the completed EIA.

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List of Project Requiring IEE or EIA - “Schedule I & II”, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
(Review of IEE and EIA) Regulations, 2000.
Category and Detail IEE* EIA**
A Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
1 Poultry, livestock, stud and fish farms with total cost more than Rs.10 million 
2 Projects involving repacking, formulation or warehousing of agricultural 
products
B Energy
1 Hydroelectric power generation less than 50 MW 
2 Hydroelectric power generation over 50 MW 
3 Thermal power generation less than 200 kW 
4 Thermal power generation over 200 kW 
5 Transmission lines less than 11 kV and large distribution projects 
6 Transmission lines over 11 kV and grid stations 
7 Oil and gas transmission systems 
8 Oil and gas extraction projects including exploration, production, gathering 
systems, separation and storage
9 Waste-to-energy generation projects 
10 Nuclear power plans 
11 Petroleum refineries 
C Manufacturing and Processing
1 Ceramics and glass units with total cost more than Rs.50 million 
2 Food processing industries including sugar mills, beverages, milk and dairy 
products, with total cost less than Rs.100 million
3 Food processing industries including sugar mills, beverages, milk and dairy 
products, with total cost over Rs.100 million
4 Man-made fibers and resin projects with total cost less than Rs.100 million 
5 Man-made fibers and resin projects with total cost over Rs.100 million 
6 Manufacturing of apparel, including dyeing and printing, with total cost more 
than Rs.25 million
7 Wood products with total cost more than Rs.25 million 
8 Cement plants 
9 Chemicals projects 
10 Fertilizer plants 
11 Industrial estates (including export processing zones) 
12 Pesticides (manufacture or formulation) 
13 Petrochemicals complex 
14 Tanning and leather finishing projects 
15 Synthetic resins, plastics and man-made fibers, paper and paperboard, paper 
pulping, plastic products, textiles (except apparel),printing and publishing,
paints and dyes, oils and fats and vegetable ghee projects, with total cost more
than Rs.10 million
D Mining and Mineral Processing
1 Commercial extraction of sand, gravel, limestone, clay, sulphur and other 
minerals not included in Schedule II with total cost less than Rs.100 million

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Category and Detail IEE* EIA**

2 Crushing, grinding and separation processes 
3 Smelting plants with total cost less than Rs.50 million 
4 Smelting plants with total cost Rs.50 million and over 
5 Mining and processing of coal, gold, copper, sulphur and precious stones 
6 Mining and processing of major non-ferrous metals, iron and steel rolling 
E Transport
1 Federal or Provincial highways (except maintenance, rebuilding or 
reconstruction of existing metaled roads) with total cost less than Rs.50 million
Federal or Provincial highways (except maintenance, rebuilding or
reconstruction of existing metaled roads) with total cost over Rs.50 million
2 Ports and harbor development for ships less than 500 gross tons 
3 Ports and harbor development for ships over 500 gross tons 
4 Airports 
5 Railway works 
F Water Management, Dams, Irrigation and Flood Protection
1 Dams and reservoirs with storage volume less than 50 million cubic meters of 
surface area less than 8 square kilometers
2 Dams and reservoirs with storage volume of 50 million cubic meters and above 
or surface area of 8 square kilometers and above
3 Small-scale irrigation systems with total cost less than Rs.50 million 
4 Irrigation and drainage projects serving less than 15,000 hectares 
5 Irrigation and drainage projects serving over 15,000 hectares 
G Water Supply and Treatment
1 Water supply schemes and treatment plants with total cost less than Rs.25 m. 
2 Water supply schemes and treatment plants with total cost over Rs.25 million 
H Waste Disposal
1 Waste disposal facility for domestic or industrial wastes, with annual capacity 
less than 10,000 cubic meters
2 Waste disposal facility for domestic or industrial wastes, with annual capacity 
over 10,000 cubic meters
3 Waste disposal and/or storage of hazardous or toxic wastes (including landfill 
sites, incineration of hospital toxic waste)
I Urban Development and Tourism
1 Housing schemes 
2 Public facilities with significant off-site impacts (e.g. hospital wastes) 
3 Urban development projects 
4 Land use studies and urban plans (large cities) 
5 Large-scale tourism development projects with total cost more than Rs.50 
million
J Environmentally Sensitive Areas
1 All projects situated in environmentally sensitive areas 
K Other Projects
1 Any other project for which filing of an IEE or an EIA is required by the Federal  
Agency under sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 5.
2 Any other project likely to cause an adverse environmental effect. 
*Initial Environmental Examination, **Environmental Impact Assessment

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Procedure – For Approval of IEE and EIA
The following is the procedure for approval of IEE and EIA under the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency (Review of IEE and EIA) Regulations, 2000.
Step 1: Preparation of IEE/EIA- Guidelines for preparation of EIA and IEE can be obtained
from Pak-EPA’s website
Step 2: Payment of filling fee
Step 3: Filing of IEE/EIA at the Federal Agency
Step 4: Preliminary scrutiny (within 10 days)
Step 5: Public participation – (1) publication of the notice in national and local newspaper, (2)
(after 30 days from the notice) public hearing and comments of concerned government
agencies
Step 6: Review by the Federal Agency (within 45 days for IEE, 90 days for EIA)
Step 7: Issue of confirmation of completeness
Review fee depends on cost of project and type of the report*

Project Cost IEE EIA
Up to Rs.5,000,000 NIL NIL
Rs.5,000,001-10,000,000 Rs.10,000 Rs.15,000
Over Rs.10,000,000 Rs.15,000 Rs.30,000
*For further information, refer to the website of Pak-EPA.

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Construction Permits
Construction Permits- Process Flow Charts

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Licenses
The licenses or registration will be required to the business in the specific sectors and examples of
licenses with regulated bodies are listed below.
Sector Specification Authority
Banking Commercial and micro-finance banks State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
Insurance Insurance broker and/or surveyor Securities and Exchange Commission
companies of Pakistan (SECP)
Manufacturing Manufacturing, storage and sale of Licensing Authority (in most cases con-
food goods cerned District Health Officer)
Telecom Registration for call center operation Pakistan Software Export Board
(PSEB)
Trading Import and export licenses from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
respective province
Tourism/Travel Travel agency licenses from the re- Tourist services dept.
spective province
Recruiting Agency Registration and licensing of consul- The federal government through the
tants/recruiting agencies of overseas Director General, Bureau of Emigration
employment and Overseas Employment
Source: BOI
Details of key licenses/permit along with issuing authorities is given at annexture II.
Employment
One of the best advantages of investing in Pakistan is availability of both affluent young well-
educated English-speaking as well as skilled labor force. The labor cost is comparatively low in the
region that is another asset of Pakistan.
Education and Qualification
The constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, under the Article 25(a). Right to education
that was inserted by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amendment) Act of 2010, provides free and
compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years, and thus the compulsory
education lasts 12 years. Official school ages by level of education are Pre-primary: 3-4 years,
Primary: 5-9 years, Secondary: 10-16 years, and Tertiary: 17-21 years. For primary to post-
secondary education, the academic year begins in April and ends in March. The literacy rate among
the population aged 15-24 years is 72.8% in total (2014), 79.77% for male and 65.55% for female.
According to the latest Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2018-
19, the literacy rate of the population (10 years and above) is 60 percent as compared to 58
percent in 2014.

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Labour Regulations
All regulations and standards of International Labour Organization (ILO) are applicable in Pakistan
and the “Factories Act, 1934” is the law for regulating labour in factories. In general, labour is
a provincial subject and all provinces have their respective labour regulations such as “Punjab
Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders) (Amendment) Act, 2012“and “Sindh
Terms of Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 2015”. In Pakistan, wage rate is determined
on monthly basis instead of hourly wage rates, and the minimum wage as of October, 2020 is
Rs.16,000 per month. Worker’s disputes are not very common and dealt with mutual consensus at
relevant platforms, whenever they arise.
Social Security
Employees’ Social Security Institution (ESSI)

In Pakistan, Social Security scheme was launched on 1st March, 1967, under West Pakistan
Employees’ Social Security Ordinance No. X of 1965, with the assistance of the International
Labour Organization. The Employees’ Social Security Institution (ESSI), however, came into
being in 1970 when the scheme was reorganized on provincial basis. The main functions of ESSI
is to provide medical care and cash benefits to secured workers and their dependents in the
event of sickness, maternity, employment injury, death, Iddat, and disablement. ESSI provides
death grants, disablement gratuity, disablement pension, survivors’ pension and ex-gratia grant.
Currently, contribution by the employers is, for example, 7% of the pay of employee (ceiling
Rs.5,000) in Balochistan and 6% of Rs.15,000 per employee in Sindh as of August, 2018. All of the
four provinces have their respective social security institutions since labor is a provincial subject
in Pakistan.
Employees’ Old-Age Benefits
Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Act, 1976 (EOB Act 1976), is an Act to repeal and re-enact the
law relating of old age benefits for the persons employed in industrial, commercial and other
organizations, and under the EOB Act 1976, registration is necessary when an industry or
a commercial establishment has five or more employees or if any industry or commercial
establishment employing less than five employees voluntarily opt to be included in the scheme. A
contribution equal to 5% of minimum wages has to be paid by the employers of all the industrial
and commercial organizations where EOB act is applicable. Contribution equal to 1% of minimum
wages by the employees of said organizations. Detailed information on this issue can be obtained
from the respective websites of Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), Ministry of
Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD).
Recruitment
Recruiting desired human resources is relatively easy in Pakistan due to availability of a large
number of both manpower and well-established recruitment firms. Some of them are listed in the
annexture I.

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Annextures 46 Investment Guide

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Annextures

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Annexure-I: Useful Contacts

Sr. Institution Website Email Telephone
Federal Ministry/ Department/Division
01 Board of Investment (BOI) https://invest.gov.pk/ investpak@invest.gov.pk +92-51-922 4101
02 Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) https://www.fbr.gov.pk/ helpline@fbr.gov.pk +92-51-111-772-772
03 Ministry of Commerce (MoC) http://www.commerce.gov.pk/ helpdesk@commerce.gov.pk +92-51-9205745
04 Ministry of Communications (MoC) http://www.communication.gov.pk/ None Directory available online
05 Ministry of Energy Petroleum Division, http://www.mpnr.gov.pk/ Directory available online

http://www.mowp.gov.pk/
06 Ministry of Finance (MoF) http://www.finance.gov.pk/ Directory available online
07 Ministry of National Food Security & http://www.mnfsr.gov.pk/# None Directory available online
Research (MNFSR)
08 Minister for Industries & Production (MoIP) http://www.moip.gov.pk/ Directory available online
09 Ministry of Information Technology & https://moitt.gov.pk/ info@moitt.gov.pk +92-51-9219971
Telecommunication (MoITT)
10 Ministry of Interior (MoI) https://www.interior.gov.pk/ None Directory available online
11 Ministry of Planning, Development & https://www.pc.gov.pk/ webmanager@pc.gov.pk +92-51-9209442
Special Initiatives
12 Ministry of Railways (MoR) http://www.railways.gov.pk/ Directory available online
Key Departments/Authorities (Federal)

13 Engineering Development Board (EDB) www.engineeringpakistan.com info@edb.gov.pk +92+51+9205595-98
14 Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution http://www.eobi.gov.pk/ Directory available online 08000-3624

(EOBI)
15 Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) http://epza.gov.pk/ info@epza.gov.pk +92-21-99208039-44
16 Ignite National Technology Fund https://ignite.org.pk/ helpdesk@ignite.org.pk +92-51-9215360
17 National Electric Power Regulatory https://www.nepra.org.pk/ info@nepra.org.pk +92-51-2013200

Authority (NEPRA)
18 National Highway Authority (NHA) http://nha.gov.pk/en/ Directory available online
19 Oil and Gad Regulatory Authority (OGRA) https://www.ogra.org.pk/ Directory available online
20 Pakistan Telecommunication Authority https://www.pta.gov.pk/index. Directory available online

(PTA) php/en
21 Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) https://www.pseb.org.pk/ info@pseb.org.pk 0800-03030
22 Private Power and Infrastructure Board http://www.ppib.gov.pk/ Directory available online

(PPIB)
23 Securities and Exchange Commission of https://www.secp.gov.pk/ queries@secp.gov.pk 0800-88008
Pakistan (SECP) +92-51-9207091-4
24 Small and Medium Enterprises https://smeda.org/ helpdesk@smeda.org.pk Directory available online
Development Authority (SMEDA)
25 State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) http://www.sbp.org.pk/ info@sbp.org.pk +92-51-111-727-111
26 Trade Development Authority of Pakistan http://www.tdap.gov.pk tdap@tdap.gov.pk +92-21-99206487-90

(TDAP) tdap.support2@tdap.gov.pk
Provincial Government (Investment)
27 Balochistan Board of Investment & Trade https://bboit.gob.pk/ None +92 81 2822836
(BBoIT)
28 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment http://kpboit.gov.pk/ invest@kpboit.gov.pk +92-91-9224206/07/09
and Trade (KP-BOIT) boitkp@gmail.com
29 Municipal Corporations https://mci.gov.pk/ contactus@mci.gov.pk +92-51-209224
30 Punjab Board of Investment and Trade http://www.pbit.gop.pk/ info@pbit.gop.pk +92-042-9920-5201-06
(PBIT)
31 Investment Department, Government of https://sindhinvestment.gos.pk/ info@sindhinvestment.gos.pk +92-21-99207512-4
Sindh
Key Departments/Authorities (Provincial)
32 Alternative Energy Development Board http://www.aedb.org/ support@aedb.org +92-51-9222360-61

(AEDB)
33 Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) https://balochistan.gov.pk None Directory available online

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34 Capital Development Authority (CDA), http://www.cda.gov.pk/ Directory available online

Islamabad Capital Territory
35 Energy Department, Government of Sindh http://sindhenergy.gov.pk/ info@sindhenergy.gov.pk +92-21-99207134/32/33
36 Energy Department Government of the https://energy.punjab.gov.pk/ sopw.ed@energy.punjab. +92-42-99268017/19

Punjab gov.pk
37 Excise & Taxation Department, Islamabad http://islamabadexcise.gov.pk/ mail@islamabadexcise. +92-51-9265588
Capital Territory gov.pk +92-345-5232512
38 Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control http://www.excise-punjab.gov.pk/ secyent@punjab.gov.pk 0800-08786
Department, Government of The Punjab
39 Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control http://excise.gos.pk/ info@excise.gos.pk +92-21-99231410
Department, Government of The Sindh
40 Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) http://www.fda.gov.pk/ fda_fsd@yahoo.com +92-341-2245666
41 Faisalabad Electric Supply Company http://www.fesco.com.pk/ Contact form on website Directory available online
(FESCO)
42 Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) https://www.gda.gov.pk/ info@gda.gov.pk +92-86-9201010
43 Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) http://www.gwadarport.gov.pk/ info@gwadarport.gov.pk +92-86- 9200408
44 Karachi Electric https://www.ke.com.pk/ customer.care@ke.com.pk +92-21-3263 7133

+92-21-3870 9132
45 Karachi Development Authority (KDA) http://www.kda.gos.pk/ Directory available online
46 Lahore Development Authority (LDA) https://www.lda.gop.pk/ Contact form on website +92-42-111-111-532
47 Lahore Electricity Supply Company http://www.lesco.gov.pk/ None Directory available online

(LESCO)
48 Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development http://pedo.pk/ info@pedo.pk +92-91-9217422
Organization (PEDO)
49 Punjab Employee Social Security https://www.pessi.gop.pk/ info@pessi.gop.pk +92-42-99263107
Institution (PESSI)
50 Sindh Building Control Association (SBCA) https://sbca.gos.pk/ sbca@sbca.gos.pk +92-21-99230329
+92-21-99231890/34
51 Sindh Employee Social Security Institution http://www.sessi.gov.pk/ info@sessi.gov.pk +92-21-99243813/14
(SESSI) +92-21-99243748/51
2. Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CCI) & Associations

CCI
01 Federation of Pakistan Chambers of http://www.fpcci.org.pk/ info@fpcci.com.pk +92-21-35873691-94
Commerce & Industry (FPCCI)
02 Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & http://www.icci.com.pk/ icci@brain.net.pk +92-51-2253145-
Industry (ICCI) 2261175
03 Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry https://www.kcci.com.pk/ info@kcci.com.pk +92-21-99218001-09
(KCCI)
04 Lahore Chamber of Commerce and https://www.lcci.com.pk/ Directory available online +92-42-111-222-499
Industry (LCCI)
05 Overseas Investors Chamber of https://www.oicci.org/ info@oicci.org +9221-32410814-5
Commerce & Industry (OICCI)
06 Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and https://scci.com.pk/ sialkot@scci.com.pk +92-52-4261881-3
Industry (SCCI)
Association
07 All Pakistan Textile Mills Association https://www.aptma.org.pk/ info.po@aptma.org.pk +9242-35754345
(APTMA)
08 Pakistan Association Of Automotive Parts https://www.paapam.com/ chairman@paapam.com +92-21-35113841
& Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM)
09 Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers https://www.pama.org.pk/ pamaftc@hotmail.com +9221-35630992/93
Association (PAMA)
10 Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ https://www.ppma.org.pk/ info@ppma.org.pk +92-51-4435103
Association (PPMA)
11 Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & https://www.psgmea.org.pk/ psgmea@gmail.com +9252-3256930/45
Exporters Association (PSGMEA)
12 Surgical Instrument Manufacturers http://simap.org.pk/ info@simap.org.pk +9252-3554890/3014
Association of Pakistan (SIMAP)

Invest in Pakistan
3. Major Companies
Banks
01 Bank of Punjab https://www.bop.com.pk/ feedback@bop.com.pk +92-42 35783700-10
02 Habib Bank Limited https://www.hbl.com/ Directory available online
03 Meezan Bank https://www.meezanbank.com/ Directory available online
04 National Bank of Pakistan https://www.nbp.com.pk/ Directory available online
05 Sindh Bank https://www.sindhbankltd.com Directory available online
06 The Bank of Khyber https://www.bok.com.pk/ Directory available online
07 United Bank Limited https://www.ubldigital.com/ Directory available online

Energy (*Public company)
08 Punjab Power Development Company https://ppdcl.com.pk/ ppdcl.contact@energy. +92-42-99332154-56

Limited (PPDCL)* punjab.gov.pk
09 National Transmission and Distribution https://www.ntdc.com.pk/ hrad@ntdc.com.pk +92-42-99201020
Company (NTDC)*
Telecom
10 Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited https://jazz.com.pk/ customercare@jazz.com.pk +92-51-111-300-300

(known as Jazz)
11 Pakistan Telecommunications Company https://ptcl.com.pk/ care@ptcl.net.pk Directory available online
Limited (PTCL)
12 Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd https://www.ufone.com/ Directory available online
(known as Ufone)
13 Wi-tribe http://wi-tribe.pk/ customercare@wi-tribe.pk +92-51-111-187-423
14 CMPak Limited (known as Zong 4G) https://www.zong.com.pk/ customercare@zong.com.pk +92-51-111-222-111
Law/Accounting/Consulting Firms
15 A.F. Ferguson and Co (PWC in Pakistan) https://www.pwc.com.pk/en/ Contact form on website +92-51-2205980
16 Cornelius, Lane and Mufti http://www.clm.com.pk/ nfo@clm.com.pk +92-51-8350467
17 Deloitte https://www2.deloitte.com/pk/ Contact form on website

en.html
18 Ernst & Young https://www.ey.com/pk/en/home Contact form on website
19 Khan and Muezzin http://www.khanandmuezzin.com/ pakistan@khanandmuezzin. +92-51-2112621/22

com
20 KPMG TaseerHadi& Co https://home.kpmg/pk/en/home. None Contact form on website
html
21 WuklaLaw.Easy https://wukla.com/ raabta@wukla.com +92-312-6998552
Real Estate
22 Agency 21 https://www.agency21.com.pk/ info@agency21.com +92-348-111-21-21
+92-51-111-021-111
23 Bahria Town http://www.bahriatown.com/ care@bahriatown.com.pk 0800 00100
24 Graana https://www.graana.com/ info@graana.com +92-111-555-555

+92- 343-2555555
25 Star Marketing Online https://www.starmarketingonline. support@starmarketingoline. +92-51-111-111-160
com/ com
26 Zameen https://www.zameen.com/ Contact form on website +92-42-3256-0445
Logistics
27 DHL Pakistan https://www.dhl.com/pk-en/home. Contact form on website
html
28 Leopard http://leopardscourier.com/pk/ Contact form on website
29 M&P Express Logistics https://www.mulphilog.com.pk/ contact@mulphilog.com +92-21-111-202-202
30 Moveit https://moveit.com.pk/ info@moveit.com +92-51-874-7800
31 TCS https://www.tcsexpress.com/ None +92 21-111-123-456
Construction
32 DASCON Construction Company http://dascon.com.pk/ info@dascon.com.pk +92 42 36687491
33 Habib Construction https://www.hcs.com.pk/ hcs@hcs.com.pk +92-423-5291006-9

Invest in Pakistan
34 Habib Raffique https://www.habibrafiq.com/ hrl@habibrafiq.com +92-42-711411/1716/2944
35 Sachal Construction http://sachal.org.pk/ info@sachal.org.pk +92-51-4441684, 94
36 Sardar Mohammad Ashraf D. Baluch https://dbaluch.com/ info@dbaluch.com +92-21-35643771-2
37 Zaheer Khan Brothers https://zkb.com.pk/ info@zkb.com.pk +92-051-4444-555
Recruitment
38 Career Pakistan https://www.careerpakistan. rabia@careerpakistan.org None

pk/
39 EPIC Consulting http://epiccdo.com/ info.pk@epiccdo.com +92-42-37185956-7
+92-30-41113311
40 HRSG Online https://hrsgonline.com/ info@hrsgonline.com +92-21-111-111-477
41 Human Resource Solutions https://hrs-int.com/ info@hrs-int.com +92-21- 35294517/18

International
42 IRESCO http://www.irescopk.com/ info@irescopk.com +92-300-4477-888
43 Islamabad Recruitment Company https://www.irco.com.pk/ info@irco.com.pk +92-51-2111301

+92-51-2225400
44 N- Recruitment Consulting https://www.nrecruitment.com/ yousuf@nrecruitment.com +92-340 202 65 65
info@nrecruitment.com +92-330-392-21-35
Annexure-II: Licenses/Certificates
Sr. License/Certificates Issuing Authority
1. Business Registration – Licence for operation of charitable societies Industries Department, Societies Registration Act 1860
2. Companies Profit (Workers Participation) Act,1968 FBR
3. Driving license Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Police
4. Drugs (import & export) Rules, 1986 DRAP
5. Drugs (Labeling and Packaging) Rules, 1986 DRAP
6. Drugs (Licensing, Registration & Administration) Rules,1976 Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
7. Employees Old Age Benefits Institution EOBI
8. Employees Social Security Institution Provincial Commissioner Of Employees Social Security
9. Incorporation of a Limited Liability Company Securities &Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
10. Incorporation of a Limited Liability Partnership SECP
11. Intellectual Property Rights (Trade Mark, Copy Right, Patent etc.) IPO-Pakistan
12. Labeling and Packaging requirements of Pre-Packed Food District Health Officer (DHO)
13. Licensing & Other Requirements For Manufacturing, Storage And Sale Of DHO
Food Goods
14. LPG, CNG and Drilling etc. Licenses OGRA
15. National Tax Number (NTN) FBR
16. Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Act, 1996 Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA),
Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
17. Professional Tax Provincial Excise And Taxation Officer (ETO)
18. Provincial Social Security Ordinance 1965 Provincial Employees Social Security Institutions
19. Registration & Renewal of Arms License Arms Branch of District Coordination Officer (DCO) Office
20. Registration and Licensing for Money Exchange Company No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Licensing by SBP
Registration by SECP
21. Sales Tax Number FBR
22. The Explosives Act, 1884. , and The Explosives Rules, 2010. Department of Explosives, Ministry of Industries and
Production
23. The Industrial Relations Act, 2010. Registrar of Trade Unions
24. The Petroleum Act,1934 and Mineral and Industrial Gases Safety Department of Explosives, Ministry of Industries and
Rules,2010 Production, Government of Pakistan.
25. Workers Welfare Ordinance, 1971 FBR
26. Registration of Partnership Firms Industries Department, Partnership Registration Act 1932

Invest in Pakistan
Annexure-III: Notified SEZs in Pakistan (as of November, 2020)

Sr No SEZ Province Area Sector/Industries Price per Contact
(Acres) Acre in
PKR Million
1 Bin Qasim Sindh 930 Light Engineering, Auto & Allied, Foundry 35 Mr. Javed Sheikh
Industrial Park, and Fabrication, Warehousing & Logistics, 03018244940
Karachi Mixed Used (92-21) 9922 5035-9
(92-21) 3563 1046-8
2 Korangi Creek Sindh 250 Light Engineering, Food Processing, 60 Sqn Ldr (R) Aftab
Industrial Park, Consumer Food & Pharmaceutical 0300 2034592
Karachi Products, Garments / Value added (92-21) 9922 5035-9
Textiles, Packaging & Printing & (92-21) 3563 1046-8
Warehousing/Logistics
3 Khairpur SEZ, Sindh 140 Agro-food Processing, Light Engineering 2.5 Mr. Hammad Shams
Khairpur +92 334 3755358
+92 308 833 5656
4 M3 Industrial City, Punjab 4,356 Textiles, Food Processing, Chemicals, 7.3 Mr. Faisal Qasmi
Faisalabad Engineering, Construction, +92 335 9230111
Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Packaging, (92-41) 9230231-34
Automobiles, Warehousing
5 Allama Iqbal Punjab 3,278 Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, 9.5 Mr. Faisal Qasmi
Industrial City, Light Engineering, Iron & Steel re-rolling, +92 335 9230111
Faisalabad Food Processing, Electrical & Electronics, (92-41) 9230231-34
(CPEC) Chemicals & Dyes, Automobiles,
Warehousing, Ceramics/Construction
Material
6 Value Addition City, Punjab 215 Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Light 7.3 Mr. Faisal Qasmi
Faisalabad Engineering +92 335 9230111
(92-41) 9230231-34
7 Bhalwal Industrial Punjab 427 Food & Citrus Processing, Milk Processing 8 Mr. Umar Saeed
Estate, Sagodha & Flour Mills, Light Engineering, Furniture, 042-35297203-6
Printing, Stationary 042-35297207
0320-0840642
8 Quaid-e-Azam Punjab 1,536 Textile, Apparel and Garments, Food N/A Mr. Umar Saeed
Apparel Park, Processing, Light Engineering, Printing 042-35297203-6
Sheikhupura and Packaging 042-35297207
0320-0840642
9 Vehari SEZ, Vehari Punjab 277.29 Textile, Apparel and Garments, Fertilizers, 6.5-7.15 Mr. Umar Saeed
Dairy Processing, Steel Mills, Allied Food 042-35297203-6
Industry, Light Engineering 042-35297207
0320-0840642
10 Rahim Yar Khan Punjab 456 Food Industry, Seed Processing, Oil Mills, 5.5-9.35 Mr. Umar Saeed
SEZ, RYK Textile, Apparel, Spinning & Weaving, 042-35297203-6
Manufacturing, Light Engineering 042-35297207
0320-0840642
11 Rachna Industrial Punjab 178 Pharmaceutical, Food, Printing/packaging, 10 Mr. Farrukh Qamar
Park, Shiekhupura Auto-vending, Leather goods 0306 8467718
(92-21) 9922 5035-9
(92-21) 3563 1046-8
12 Oil Village SEZ, Punjab 72.5 Storage for Oil Marketing Companies N/A
Rawalpindi
13 Rashakai SEZ, KPK 1000 Agri Base & Food Processing, Automobile US$150,000 Mr. Amir Murawwat
Nowshera (CPEC) & Mechanical Equipment, Electronics & +92 336 8400896
Electrical Appliances, Garments & Textile
Products, Marble, Minerals & Chemicals
14 Hattar SEZ, KPK 424 Food and beverage, Agro-processing, 5.6 Mr. Muhammad
Haripur Textile, Crockery, Paper printing, Ali Ozgen
Chemical, Cement, Engineering +923350099205
+923355739362
15 Bostan SEZ, Pishin Balochistan 200 Fruit processing, Agriculture machinery, 2.5 Mohsin Syed
(CPEC) Minerals and gems, Ceramic industries, +92 300 8413650
Ice and cold storage, Electrical appliances,
Motor bikes assembly, Pharmaceutical,
Halal food industry
16 Hub SEZ Balochistan 406 Textile, Pharmaceutical, Cement 10 Mohsin Syed
manufacturing, Food & Confectionary +92 300 8413650
Industries, Chemical Industries, Plastic,
Paper Manufacturing, Printing &
Packaging, Ceramics, Marble Processing,
Mineral Grinding

Invest in Pakistan
Gwadar Sea Port, Gwadar

Source: Economy Profile Pakistan Doing Business 2020, World Bank Group
Disclaimer
Despite every effort to make this investment guide free of any error or omission, these are only for referencing
and guidance purposes and cannot replace the original laws, notifications, rules, and tariff published in the
Gazette of Pakistan. Any suggestions and recommendations to make this publication further useful will be
highly appreciated.

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Karachi City, Pakistan

Starting a Business in Pakistan-Flowchart 30

Annex-I: Useful Contacts 48

Mr. Atif Riaz Bokhari

I welcome you to invest in Pakistan for the mutual benefits of all.

Mrs. Fareena Mazhar

Pakistan at A Glance 1 Investment Guide

Capital City Islamabad (1.13 million)

Pakistan at A Glance 2 Investment Guide

Currency Pakistan Rupees (PKR), October, 2020.

Indicators FY2020 (October, 2020)

Exports (2019/20) 22,507 million US$

Pakistan at A Glance 3 Investment Guide

Imports (2019/20) 42,417 million US$

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Net FDI (2019/20) 2,561.2 million US$*

Pakistan at A Glance 4 Investment Guide

International Airports 12 (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot,

Telecommunication (as of August, 2020)

Cellular Subscribers 169 million (Teledensity: 79.65%)

S.No. Sectors Key Highlights

Pakistan at A Glance 5 Investment Guide

Pakistan at A Glance 6 Investment Guide

S.No. Sectors Key Highlights

Post COVID-19 Scenario

Pakistan at A Glance 7 Investment Guide

Pakistan at A Glance 8 Investment Guide

Pakistan at A Glance 9 Investment Guide

Pakistan at A Glance 10 Investment Guide

Investment Regime 11 Investment Guide

1. Reducing the cost of doing business in Pakistan

Taxation and Incentives

Investment Regime 13 Investment Guide

Investment Regime 14 Investment Guide

Renewable  Exemption from custom-duties and taxes on import of equipment

Investment Regime 15 Investment Guide

Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)

Key EoDB reforms performed in 2019

Investment Regime 16 Investment Guide

Investment Regime 17 Investment Guide

Indicator Positions Jumped EoDB Report EoDB Report

Industrial Cooperation under CPEC

Investment Regime 18 Investment Guide

Investment Regime 19 Investment Guide

A high-level Steering Committee (comprising representation from all provinces/regions and

Investment Regime 20 Investment Guide

Cost of Doing Business

Investment Regime 21 Investment Guide

Fixed Charges Applicable Variable Minimum Monthly

Investment Regime 22 Investment Guide

Investment Regime 23 Investment Guide

Karachi Area (Bulk Supply)

Mobile Wi-Fi - PTCL, CharJi 4G LTE

Investment Regime 24 Investment Guide

Exchange Policy and International Banking Facilities

New Investment Law

Investment Regime 25 Investment Guide

Types of Patent Application

Investment Regime 26 Investment Guide

Steps for Registration of Copyright