Islamabad Business leader demands equal growth space for all sectors

Islamabad ( WNAM REPORT): President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood has welcomed the recent initiative of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening the hospitality sector, terming it a progressive step towards enhancing Islamabad’s global image and economic vitality.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said that incentives for the hotel industry, along with ongoing beautification efforts in the federal capital, would significantly improve the city’s appeal as a modern destination for both domestic and international tourists. These measures, he noted, would help generate employment, attract investment, and stimulate economic activity.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood particularly appreciated the relief measures introduced by the Capital Development Authority, including the rationalization and rebate in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges for hotel projects, observing that such steps would facilitate vertical development and encourage new investment in the hospitality sector.
Referring to the Interior Minister’s vision of developing a new ultra-modern city, modeled after global hubs like Manhattan and Shanghai, he described the initiative as ambitious and forward-looking, with the potential to transform Islamabad into a world-class economic center.
However, the ICCI President emphasized that while these incentives are commendable, policy fairness and consistency must be ensured across all sectors, particularly real estate and construction.
He underscored that stakeholders from other sectors also have an equal right to sustain, grow, and contribute to the national economy. “Economic policies must not create imbalance. Those belonging to other sectors equally have the right to sustain their businesses, expand their operations, and benefit from facilitative measures,” he stated.
He expressed concern that similar relief in FAR and regulatory frameworks has not been extended to the broader construction and real estate sector. “If the objective is to boost investment, promote urban development, and create employment opportunities, then incentives must be inclusive rather than selective,” he added.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood highlighted that the real estate and construction sector serves as a backbone of economic activity with strong linkages to multiple allied industries. He urged the government to extend comparable incentives, including rationalization of FAR and related charges, to ensure balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
Reaffirming ICCI’s full support for initiatives aimed at tourism promotion and urban beautification, he stressed that a level playing field is essential for unlocking the full economic potential of all sectors.
He further called for consultative and inclusive policymaking, ensuring that all stakeholders are taken on board so that reforms remain equitable, transparent, and conducive to long-term investment and national development.