Overseas Investors Want More ‘Freedom’ in Pakistan

Meanwhile, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has pressed Pakistan to apply recent macroeconomic stabilization gains to accelerate private investment, exports, energy security and structural reforms during a session with a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation.

Key points

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• The Chamber highlighted a decline in foreign direct investment despite improvements in Pakistan's external position and sovereign credit profile.
• The Chamber additionally called on faster state owned enterprise reform and credible privatization where continued state ownership has no compelling policy rationale.
• OICCI additionally emphasized the need for domestic industry to lead by reinvesting in Pakistan, saying foreign investors take cues from the confidence demonstrated by local businesses.

For context, the delegation, comprising IMF Advisor Iva Petrova and Resident Representative Mahir Binici, met senior OICCI leadership and representatives of member multinational firms at the Chamber on Thursday.

In practice, the Chamber highlighted a decline in foreign direct investment despite improvements in Pakistan's external position and sovereign credit profile. It observed that net FDI fell by around 32 percent to $1.7 billion in FY2026 and called on lower regulatory and compliance burdens, stronger investor protection and clearer coordination between federal and provincial authorities. 3 Major Refineries Sign Govt Deals for Upgrades.

Against the backdrop of higher oil costs linked to the Middle East war, the Chamber pressed immediate energy conservation and a medium term plan to improve energy self sufficiency. It additionally sought a coherent energy security strategy covering power, gas and petroleum, citing high regional energy costs, circular debt, the need for investment in refining and opportunities for regional energy cooperation.

On the external sector, OICCI remarked Pakistan cannot sustain higher expansion without expanding its ability to earn foreign exchange. Supernet Technologies Profit Jumps Almost 500% After Merger.

It pressed greater competitiveness and productivity, stronger export oriented sectors, deeper trade and investment ties with key markets and greater regional trade where commercially viable.

For context, the Chamber additionally called on faster state owned enterprise reform and credible privatization where continued state ownership has no compelling policy rationale. It pressed separation of the state's roles as policymaker, regulator, facilitator and commercial operator to create greater space for private sector investment and competition.

OICCI further pressed broadening taxation into under taxed segments, including agriculture, real estate, SMEs and retail, instead of repeatedly increasing the burden on documented businesses. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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In short, overseas Investors Want More 'Freedom' in Pakistan is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.