KARACHI (special crosspondent) – The UK Government and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah convened a high-level roundtable yesterday, 28th July 2026, bringing together prominent UK businesses, international corporations, and key stakeholders to deliberate on critical reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s investment climate.

This initiative, organized in partnership between the UK Government and the Government of Sindh, focused on strengthening investor confidence and fostering sustainable economic development. The agenda addressed vital pillars of the business landscape, including policy predictability, taxation efficiency, regulatory reform, foreign exchange management, infrastructure development, and the overall ease of doing business.

Strengthening Strategic Economic Partnerships

Alison Blackburne, the Deputy British High Commissioner, emphasized the long-standing commitment of the United Kingdom to Pakistan’s market. She stated, “British companies have invested in Pakistan for decades, creating jobs, transferring knowledge and contributing to the country’s economic growth. We want to see that partnership continue to grow.” Ms. Blackburne further highlighted that the UK is actively supporting government partners in simplifying complex regulations, reinforcing institutions, and removing systemic barriers that hinder commercial progress.

Commitment to Regulatory Improvement

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah acknowledged the significant role played by UK enterprises in the growth of the Sindh economy. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s dedication to implementing comprehensive reforms. These efforts are focused on critical sectors including taxation, customs, regulatory procedures, digitalization, and investment facilitation. The dialogue reflects the broader government focus on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s initiative to prioritize youth employment and digital training, which aligns with modernizing the provincial regulatory environment.

Progress in Business Reforms

Over the past year, with technical support provided by the UK, more than 500 regulatory reforms have been approved. These measures are designed to streamline governance, institutionalize transparency, and alleviate the operational burdens faced by businesses. Additionally, the UK is currently assisting Karachi in the implementation of the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) framework. This framework is instrumental in identifying and resolving practical impediments for firms, particularly regarding business entry, utility services, taxation, and dispute resolution mechanisms. This collaborative approach remains vital, much like ongoing efforts seen in other international trade dialogues such as the CAREC initiative to improve trade connectivity.