The President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has welcomed recent government efforts to boost tourism and strengthen the hospitality sector. He described the initiative as a positive step toward improving Islamabad’s global image and supporting economic growth.
Tourism and hospitality get a boost
In a statement issued on Sunday, Sardar Tahir Mehmood praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent measures aimed at promoting tourism and enhancing the hospitality industry. He said these steps would help make Islamabad more attractive for both local and international visitors.
He added that ongoing beautification projects, along with incentives for hotels, would also support job creation and attract new investment. As a result, he noted, economic activity in the capital could increase significantly.
Support for development incentives
The ICCI president also appreciated the Capital Development Authority’s decision to adjust and offer rebates in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges for hotel developments. He said this policy would encourage vertical construction and bring fresh investment into the hospitality sector.
In addition, he highlighted the government’s vision of developing a modern, globally competitive city inspired by international hubs such as Manhattan and Shanghai. He called the idea ambitious and potentially transformative for Islamabad’s future.
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Call for equal opportunities across sectors
However, Sardar Tahir Mehmood stressed that policy benefits should not remain limited to one sector. Instead, he urged the government to ensure fair and consistent support for all industries, especially real estate and construction.
He explained that the construction sector plays a key role in the economy by supporting multiple related industries. Therefore, he said, it deserves similar incentives to maintain balanced growth.
Push for inclusive policymaking
Furthermore, the ICCI president called for broader consultation with all stakeholders before finalizing major policy decisions. He emphasized that inclusive and transparent policymaking would help ensure fairness and long-term stability in the economy.
He concluded that equal opportunities across sectors are essential for unlocking Pakistan’s full economic potential and achieving sustainable development.
