The SIFC Initiative: A Beacon of Hope or a Fading Promise?

Abstract

In 2023 Pakistan formed the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to organize investment operations between ministries and departments for better collaboration. The main purpose of the council is to draw substantial investments from both foreign and domestic spheres together with economic development. An analysis of SIFC shows how it focuses on its goals through its structure while working to eliminate non-tariff barriers by boosting approval flows to advance the investment environment in Pakistan. The analysis details struggles including both bureaucratic stagnation and political turbulence as well as suspicion that exists between governmental institutions and private businesses. Through a combination of qualitative methods, the study uses literature research document analysis and expert interviews with public officials investment professionals, and industry experts. The paper shows how the study faces implementation challenges together with policy gaps and presents suggestions for improved ministry collaboration and better transparency along with better regulatory practices. The assessment analyzes SIFC's capability to shift Pakistan's investment framework and develop its economic growth.