The National Assembly has passed the Asaan Karobar Bill 2025, marking a significant legislative step toward simplifying business operations and improving Pakistan’s position in the global market. The bill, introduced by Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Minister for the Board of Investment, aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles that have long hindered business formation, expansion, and investment. Approved by a majority vote in the House, the legislation reflects the government’s commitment to creating a more transparent, efficient, and predictable environment for local and foreign entrepreneurs.
The Asaan Karobar Bill 2025 is designed to modernize the regulatory framework governing trade, business, and investment activities across the country. It seeks to eliminate redundant procedures, reduce excessive paperwork, and streamline compliance requirements imposed by various government departments. According to the bill’s stated objectives, many existing business regulations are outdated and have accumulated over the years without proper review or evaluation. This accumulation has resulted in unnecessary complexity, additional costs, and delays for entrepreneurs. The new legislation addresses these issues by introducing reforms that will simplify and digitize several approval processes, encouraging a more business-friendly environment.
A key feature of the bill is the creation of two new institutional mechanisms — the Pakistan Regulatory Registry and the Pakistan Business Portal. The Regulatory Registry will serve as a centralized repository of all business-related regulations, licenses, and permits issued by different government entities. The Pakistan Business Portal will act as a national one-window digital platform that integrates these requirements into a single access point. Through this platform, businesses will be able to apply for and obtain necessary certifications, licenses, and registrations in a streamlined manner. This initiative aims to reduce manual processing, minimize face-to-face interactions, and curb opportunities for administrative inefficiencies that have previously discouraged investment.
Officials emphasized that the modernization of business regulations through digital integration will yield broad economic benefits. By making compliance processes easier and more transparent, the initiative is expected to attract both domestic and international investors, stimulate job creation, and contribute to overall economic growth. The bill aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to improve its ranking in global ease-of-doing-business indices and reinforce investor confidence in the country’s regulatory environment.
The passage of the Asaan Karobar Bill 2025 represents a coordinated effort by the government to promote a more efficient, technology-enabled approach to governance and economic facilitation. Through its implementation, policymakers hope to encourage entrepreneurship, enhance competitiveness, and support sustainable business growth, positioning Pakistan as a more attractive destination for global investment.
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