CDA Chairman Assures Full Support to Business Community, Promises Action on Key ICCI Demands

Islamabad ( WNAM REPORT): Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Lt. (R) Sohail Ashraf, has reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating the business community, describing it as the backbone of the national economy and a key contributor to Pakistan’s economic growth and prosperity.
He expressed these views while addressing a high-level delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, at the CDA Headquarters on Tuesday. CDA Member Finance and Planning Muhammad Umair was also present during the meeting.
The ICCI delegation included Chairman Founder Group ICCI Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, former President Sheikh Amir Waheed, Executive Members Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Umair Abdul Nasir, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, Chairman ICCI Standing Committee on Real Estate Israr-ul-Haq Mishwani, along with a number of prominent representatives from the capital’s business community.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on a wide range of issues affecting businesses and investors in Islamabad. Key agenda items included the rationalization of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges, reduction in transaction costs and property transfer fees, review of late construction penalties, lien marking charges, inheritance and family transfer charges, registration fees for powers of attorney, title change procedures through sale deeds, and broader reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and enhancing the competitiveness of Islamabad’s industrial and commercial sectors.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood presented the concerns and proposals of the business community in a comprehensive manner. He emphasized that Islamabad possesses immense potential to emerge as a vibrant business and investment hub; however, this objective requires a more business-friendly regulatory framework and a reduction in the financial burden currently imposed on entrepreneurs and investors.
He stressed that the business community is facing challenging circumstances due to multiple charges and procedural hurdles, which are adversely affecting investment activity, real estate development, industrial growth and overall economic confidence. He urged the CDA leadership to take practical measures that would facilitate businesses, attract investment and generate economic activity in the federal capital.
Chairman CDA Lt. (R) Sohail Ashraf listened attentively to the concerns and recommendations put forward by the ICCI delegation and appreciated the Chamber’s constructive role in highlighting issues affecting the business community. He assured the delegation that all genuine demands and proposals would be examined sympathetically and that the CDA would make every effort to promote a business-friendly environment in Islamabad.
He reiterated that the CDA remains committed to public service and facilitation, particularly for the business community, which plays a vital role in driving economic progress. He informed the delegation that he personally holds an open public hearing (Khuli Katcheri) every morning to address the grievances and concerns of citizens and stakeholders, ensuring prompt resolution of issues.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation between the CDA and the business community for the promotion of investment, economic growth and sustainable development in Islamabad. Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement and dialogue to address key issues and formulate practical solutions aimed at improving the business climate in the federal capital.