SIFC’s Second Year: Major Strides Toward Resource Development, Policy Reform, and Economic Self-Reliance
Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a high-powered civil-military platform created to accelerate investment and economic development, has completed its second year with significant progress in key sectors. Established in mid-2023, SIFC’s core objective has been to simplify investment procedures, enhance governance, and drive transformative growth in areas critical to national self-reliance—such as mineral resources, energy, agriculture, and industrial development.
Now, as the council enters its third year, its achievements reflect an aggressive yet structured approach to economic revival and national sustainability. From unlocking the country’s vast mineral wealth to pushing energy reforms and encouraging digital and agro-industrial investment, SIFC’s performance has gone beyond symbolic announcements to actual policy implementation and international engagement.
Unlocking Mineral Wealth: A Strategic Pivot
One of the most visible accomplishments of SIFC has been its focus on Pakistan’s largely untapped mineral sector. With trillions of dollars’ worth of copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth deposits beneath its surface, Pakistan has long needed a clear framework to attract foreign investment in mining. Under SIFC’s guidance, 2025 witnessed major steps in this direction.
The “Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025,” held in Islamabad, brought together global mining firms, policymakers, and financial stakeholders. The forum facilitated investment dialogues, including for high-potential sites like the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan. This project alone is expected to generate over $2.8 billion in annual exports by 2028 and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Additionally, SIFC pushed for the establishment of the Minerals Complex, a $150 million public-private partnership designed to localize the value chain—moving from raw extraction to processing and export. This could significantly reduce Pakistan’s dependency on imported industrial raw materials and open up new trade routes.
Energy Sector Reforms and Renewables Expansion
Addressing Pakistan’s chronic energy crisis has also been a top priority. In the past year, the council has initiated crucial reforms in gas exploration, energy efficiency, and renewables.
New exploration policies introduced under SIFC’s umbrella have already attracted private sector interest, with firms like Mari Petroleum reporting fresh discoveries in the Ghazi field. Simultaneously, the council backed power sector reforms that resulted in the recovery of over PKR 86 billion from electricity theft and mismanagement. These efforts have helped reduce the circular debt burden while increasing transmission efficiency.
On the renewable energy front, the shift is equally promising. Solar projects with a combined capacity of over 3,000 MW are being implemented across Sindh and Balochistan, while hydropower and wind energy initiatives are gaining ground in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. These projects are not just reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels but also supporting its climate commitments.
Agriculture and Food Security: Driving Sustainable Productivity
Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which employs over 37% of the labor force, had long struggled with outdated irrigation systems, poor supply chains, and low crop yields. SIFC took a multipronged approach in addressing these bottlenecks.
Modern corporate farming initiatives were launched in Punjab and Sindh to attract foreign agricultural firms and introduce climate-smart farming techniques. Canal rehabilitation and solar-powered irrigation schemes were initiated to enhance water use efficiency, while a digital registry of farms was developed to improve transparency in subsidies and support programs.
Furthermore, as part of its zero-tolerance policy against smuggling and hoarding, SIFC coordinated with law enforcement to monitor and regulate food storage, preventing artificial shortages and price manipulation. This not only stabilized key commodity prices but also restored confidence in domestic markets.
Policy Reforms, Digital Investment & Industrial Development
Beyond traditional sectors, the council has made inroads into tech, telecom, and industrial reforms. Pakistan’s IT and digital services sector, supported by SIFC-backed regulatory improvements, saw a noticeable increase in international interest. Partnerships with Gulf countries, Turkey, and China were expanded, particularly in fintech and digital infrastructure.
SIFC also helped fast-track approvals for major projects, including the Saudi Aramco Refinery and the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, while encouraging privatization in underperforming state enterprises. These reforms are creating space for efficiency and innovation in public service delivery.
Meanwhile, the council also encouraged tourism development by simplifying visa procedures, offering incentives for hospitality investors, and preserving key cultural sites. Combined, these efforts not only diversified the investment landscape but also boosted the soft image of Pakistan globally.
A Road Toward Self-Reliance
The SIFC’s second year has proven that with the right institutional support and cross-sector coordination, Pakistan can redirect its economic path. What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on execution—bridging the long-standing gap between policy and practice.
By streamlining governance, promoting transparency, and enabling investor confidence, SIFC is not only facilitating billions in potential investment but also helping Pakistan build the foundation for economic sovereignty. While challenges remain—ranging from political instability to regional security—the momentum gained so far points to a strong pivot toward self-reliance and inclusive growth.
Reference: ایس آئی ایف سی کا دوسرا سال ، معدنی وسائل، پالیسی اصلاحات اور خودکفالت کی جانب مؤثر پیش رفت