The National Assembly was apprised on Thursday that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has successfully attracted billions of dollars in investment across various sectors, marking a significant development for the country’s economy.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, informed the house during question hour that the influx of capital is a direct result of the council”s dedicated efforts. He noted that the federal government, through the SIFC, had introduced key initiatives like a new Investment Policy and a Revised Visa Policy to enhance the investment ecosystem and improve transparency.
Reinforcing the council”s importance, Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, highlighted that the SIFC functions as a crucial single-window facility, streamlining and promoting investment opportunities in diverse fields.
In legislative business, the house passed the Income Tax Third Amendment Bill, 2025. The bill, moved by Mr Kayani, aims to better safeguard taxpayers” rights and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee.
Furthermore, seven new bills were laid before the assembly for consideration. These included The National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Authority Bill, The National Archives Amendment Bill, 2026, and The Abandoned Properties Management Amendment Bill, 2026.
The other legislative proposals introduced were The Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority Amendment Bill, 2026, The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Amendment Bill, 2026, The Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill, 2026, and The Pakistan Study Centers Amendment Bill, 2026.
On the technology front, Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology, Sabheen Ghoury, announced that a spectrum auction for the 600 MHz band will be conducted next month. She emphasised that this development would be pivotal in ensuring the provision of high-speed and reliable internet services throughout the country.
During the session, Mr Chaudhary also addressed a query from Gohar Ali Khan regarding foreign policy, stating that Pakistan’s decision to join the Board of Peace was made in the interest of the Palestinian people, reflecting the nation’s principled and consistently voiced position on the issue at international forums.
Separately, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, commented that the Benazir Income Support Programme is being appreciated and recognised globally as one of the world’s premier social safety net programmes.
Following the day”s proceedings, the National Assembly session was prorogued.