Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PM Kakar urges business community to take advantage of SIFC

PM Kakar
  • PM was addressing ceremony for distribution of PSX awards.
  • ,He called for building and rebranding Pakistan through investment.
  • He urged corporate sector to explore opportunities in regions like ECO.

KARACHI: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar reiterating the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment and streamlining regulations, urged the local business community to take advantage of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The prime minister, addressing the ceremony for distribution of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Awards to top 25 companies of the country for the year 2022, said the caretaker government’s ultimate goal was to provide a blueprint for the next government.

He said the government had sought help from the Pakistan Army to facilitate the business environment through the SIFC forum.

He told the gathering that the measures taken by the government, including the crackdown on smuggling, illicit foreign currency trade and power theft, had yielded results, triggering market sentiments and propelling the Pakistan Stock Exchange by 33% in November to the historic 60,000-point mark, besides boosting investors’ confidence.

Welcoming the private sector to invest and take advantage of the government’s measures, he called for building and rebranding Pakistan.

He said the privatization process was underway that would also have positive impacts on the economy.

The prime minister, who also distributed awards among the top 25 companies, said the PSX mirrored the vibrancy of the corporate sector and highlighted the symbiotic relations between the government’s policies and the prosperity of the businesses.

He emphasized the inherent responsibility of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), urging businesses to adopt it as a moral obligation rather than mere rhetoric. He also urged business leaders to embrace digital evolution and collaborate with higher education institutions.

Prime Minister Kakar urged the corporate sector to explore opportunities in regions like Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Caucasus, and the unexplored around 1.3 billion African population. He emphasized the need to prepare for $36 trillion trade activity expected to take place in China within 10-15 years.

He said Pakistan, a 240 million nation with immense natural resources like four seasons, mountains, and others as well as the youth bulge was destined to rise.

He said the award ceremony to recognize outstanding companies was a testament to cooperation between the government and the corporate sector.

In her address, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar expressed the synergies between the Pakistan Stock Exchange and her professional journey.

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President for collective efforts to address socio-economic challenges

President
  • President Alvi met delegation of KCCI in Karachi.
  • He urged creation of an inclusive society.
  • He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s potential

KARACHI: President Dr. Arif Alvi has emphasized the need for collective efforts to tackle challenges such as unemployment, rising stress levels in society, improving access to opportunities for differently-abled individuals, and enhancing female participation in businesses and employment.

He, in a meeting with a delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Karachi, underscored the importance of volunteerism and active involvement of the chambers, banking sector, and civil society to overcome the socio-economic challenges in the country.

President stressed that the business community should play a pivotal role in advancing social sectors and fulfilling their corporate social responsibility by helping those in need. He highlighted that the collaborative endeavors between the public and private sectors could bring about a positive transformation in people’s lives, particularly in the realm of social initiatives.

He urged the creation of an inclusive society that actively promotes female participation in socio-economic activities. He called upon KCCI members to inspire and support women in becoming future entrepreneurs, fostering confidence and empowerment among them.

President acknowledged the positive impact of information technology on facilitating bank account opening and financial transactions for women. He emphasized the business community’s role in providing a conducive atmosphere for women at workplace.

He also called on the corporate sector to prioritize the welfare of their workers and environmental protection, ensuring a better world for future generations.

Regarding the performance of the banking sector, President Alvi praised its achievements over the past three years. He urged chambers to develop fast-track mechanisms to ensure quantifiable performance, with a specific goal of achieving 20 to 25% female employment within the industry. He commended some banks in the country for achieving a remarkable 30% female employment.

 

President expressed optimism about Pakistan’s potential, citing abundant natural and human resources. He emphasized the need to provide quality education and skills to harness the competitiveness of the industrial and business sectors.

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Foreign investors spend Rs12 billion in FY22 on CSR activities

Foreign investors CSR

KARACHI: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), the collective voice of top foreign investors in Pakistan, has revealed the results of its annual “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report 2022”. The CSR survey results reaffirmed the OICCI members’ commitment in support of the socioeconomic development of the communities in which they operate in … Read more

Zong 4G, PTA sign deal to promote gender inclusion in ICT

zong

ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s cellular and digital services frontrunner and the CSR leader in the local ICT arena, has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to promote gender inclusion in the workplace and beyond, a statement said. Since its inception, inclusion of women at all levels of employment and society has been … Read more

CPHGC wins CSR Stalwart Award

CPHGC

KARACHI: The China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt) Ltd (CPHGC) has won the CSR Stalwart Award at the first Nepra CSR Awards 2022, a statement said on Thursday. The company won the award in recognition of its astounding support to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (Nepra) corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive ‘Power with Prosperity’, … Read more

Lucky Cement gets Environment Excellence Award

KARACHI: Lucky Cement Limited won the Environment Excellence Award at the 18th Annual Environment Excellence Awards 2021, organised by the National Forum of Environment and Health, a statement said on Friday. The ceremony focused on climate change and ecosystem restoration, which was held at a local hotel on September 16, 2021. Lucky Cement received the … Read more