In the fast-paced world we inhabit, change is often expected instantaneously, yet true transformation unfolds in gradual, almost invisible steps. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has quietly evolved over the last eighteen months into a key force for Pakistan's economic resurgence, marking a new chapter of progress that promises to reshape the nation for generations to come.

Since its establishment in June 2023, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has gone through various stages of evolution, reaching a point where it has begun delivering on its mandate and contributing to the national economy in an effective manner. Today, after more than a year and a half of continuous efforts, diligence, and hard work, we see the SIFC as a harbinger of hope and optimism for national growth and harmony. In this short period of time, the SIFC has achieved several significant milestones. While some may argue that nothing substantial has been accomplished by the SIFC, as people often expect visible results immediately, it is important to remember that Rome was not built in a day. In today's era, where information is just a click away, we expect to see tangible results with a single click of a mouse.
In today’s discourse, I will endeavor to outline the major achievements of the SIFC over the past year, providing insight into its future plans and a renewed perspective on how the SIFC is likely to evolve in the coming years—short-term, mid-term, and long-term. In the end, I will offer an analysis of the discourse and the way forward.
The SIFC has prioritized several sectors, including agriculture as part of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), information technology (IT), Energy, Mining and Minerals, and Defense. There have been numerous achievements in all of these sectors, which are not only encouraging but also promising for the country’s bright future. These accomplishments indicate that Pakistan is poised to soar towards progress and development. The time is not far off when we will see it emerge as a major global power. Below are a few key milestones achieved by SIFC over the past year:
Achievements of SIFC as a Whole
Overall, SIFC has made remarkable strides since its inception. Initially an informal collaboration of a few officers from the Board of Investment (BOI), the Pakistan Army, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Planning Commission, and other relevant ministries, SIFC has now evolved into a separate division under the Prime Minister. The organization of SIFC is now much more refined compared to what it was a year ago. There is now a dedicated country wing that handles investments with friendly countries, a consulting firm that assists in preparing feasibility reports for projects and business opportunities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and a directed, systematic approach to the functioning of the organization as a whole. By incorporating best practices into its system, SIFC has set high standards for other organizations to follow.

There is now a dedicated country wing that handles investments with friendly countries, a consulting firm that assists in preparing feasibility reports for projects and business opportunities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and a directed, systematic approach to the functioning of the organization as a whole. 

In a nutshell, we can say that in the past eighteen months, SIFC has evolved into an integrated platform for efficient decision-making, leveraging approaches based on a shared vision and collective wisdom, with input from various stakeholders. Since its inception, SIFC has progressed from an informal entity to playing a significant role in accomplishing several cross-sectoral policy initiatives, enhancing investor confidence, and attracting commitments from friendly countries, supported by their respective governments. Some of its key achievements include:
Successfully resuming the repatriation of profits by foreign companies, boosting investor confidence and signaling a favorable investment climate.
Laying the foundation for significant economic dividends in the near future through strategic partnerships and agreements with friendly countries like Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., and Kuwait, as well as joint ventures with U.S.-based companies.
Facilitating the completion of various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and framework agreements, demonstrating tangible progress toward its goal of stimulating economic growth and development in Pakistan.
Establishing regional and country desks to accelerate the process of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country.
Encouraging the establishment of Business Facilitation Centers in the country.
Signing an agreement with the U.A.E.’s Consultancy Company, AT Kearney Middle East Limited, to promote investment in Pakistan's diverse sectors. The U.A.E. company will provide expertise in key areas to drive foreign investment, including strategies for attracting investment in key sectors and conducting pre-feasibility studies for selected projects.
GPI: The Flagship Project of SIFC
From a small unit comprising the 'Land Information and Management System' (LIMS), the GPI has grown into a conglomerate of five companies: the Green Corporate Initiative (GCI), Land Information and Management System (LIMS), Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI), Green Water Management System (GWMS), and Green Tourism Private Limited (GTPL). All of these companies have made remarkable accomplishments in a very short span of time. Below is a brief overview of each company’s achievements in the past year:
LIMS. LIMS is a marvel of the GPI, which has not only helped local farmers achieve agricultural efficiency but has also provided insight for other countries to follow its footsteps. Several countries have expressed interest in purchasing this technology from Pakistan. However, LIMS is providing this service free of charge to local farmers. Tens of thousands of farmers have registered with LIMS and benefited from its expertise, which has helped them reduce the cost of materials used in cultivation and improve yields. LIMS offers farmers a unique opportunity by using real-time information from its website, allowing them to economize on fertilizers, pesticides, water, and other chemicals by applying them only to targeted or affected areas. It is claimed that by using LIMS' advisory services, a farmer can reduce costs by thirty to forty percent while increasing yields by an equivalent amount, resulting in an overall income increase of more than fifty percent.
GCI. Analyzing that an acre of land in Pakistan produces one-third of the agricultural output of an equivalent acre in Canada or the U.S., GCI has successfully helped convert 4.4 million acres of barren land into fertile agricultural land, including significant cultivation in Punjab and the identification of wastelands in other provinces. The company has signed successful agreements with foreign investors covering 140,000 acres and partnered with 85 local investors for 460,000 acres, showcasing both international and domestic interest in agricultural development. The agreements with the U.A.E. and Kuwait further advance projects such as wastewater treatment and mangrove rehabilitation. The repair of 5,000 canal miles, including the de-silting of 15,300 canal miles, has helped ensure efficient water distribution for agriculture. Agriculture malls, established through private partnerships, aim to provide farmers with essential resources such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern agricultural machinery all in one place, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for the farming community.
GCLI. As per the analysis carried out by GCLI, Pakistan lags behind in animal yields, much like it does with crops. Compared to more than 20 liters of milk produced per animal in the U.S. and Canada, a cow or buffalo in Pakistan produces just ten liters of milk per day, which is less than one-third of the output. A massive campaign has been launched by GCLI to improve Pakistan's livestock by increasing yields, and enhancing the nutrition and health of animals. An increase of just one liter in the milk yield per animal could contribute one percent to Pakistan's GDP. Similarly, there has been a substantial breakthrough in Pakistan's aquaculture industry. For the first time in the country’s history, we have successfully exported one ton of locally grown shrimp to Vietnam. Another batch of 21 ton is set to be exported to the U.S. shortly.
GWMS. Food and water security are critical challenges for Pakistan, as they are for any other country in the world. As part of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda, food and water security hold prime importance for Pakistan, especially given the country’s rapid population growth. Studies have revealed significant subsurface water stored under rivers, accumulated over thousands of years. Harnessing this water could help alleviate water shortage issues. Additionally, in recent years, unprecedented floods caused by global climate change have resulted in considerable damage to lives, property, land, and crops. By utilizing this stored water, we can not only reduce the risk of floods but also irrigate desert lands that have remained barren for millennia. At least six new canals are planned for construction over the next three to four years, which will significantly address the country’s water requirements. These canals will not only help mitigate water shortages but also contribute to a substantial reduction in losses by channeling water to dry and arid regions.
GTPL. Tourism is a low-hanging fruit for Pakistan's economy, where we can achieve substantial results with minimal investment. Our Northern Areas, comprising Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a major portion of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Northern Punjab, coastal areas, and prominent lakes and rivers, possess immense natural beauty and are home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are unique to Pakistan. If we create a conducive environment for tourism, including improved connectivity, safety and security, site development, and hospitality, GTPL has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the travel and tourism industry. By developing integrated tourism zones (ITZs) in Thandiani and Ganool, and reviving tourist resorts in Naltar, Hunza, and Skardu, GTPL has made significant strides in transforming Pakistan into a tourist’s paradise. These initiatives have set a shining example for traditional tourist facilities on how to meet modern standards by providing state-of-the-art services at affordable rates, enticing tourists to visit Pakistan in search of natural beauty, comfort, and tranquility.
Moving Towards a Strong IT Sector
In the IT sector, SIFC has achieved remarkable progress. Nominated as the best technological destination at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), the IT sector has immense growth potential, being the second-largest provider of IT services in the world, with IT labor services that are 70 percent more cost-effective compared to North America and Europe. In terms of freelancing, Pakistan is the fourth fastest-growing country. Over the past year, the IT sector has made significant strides, including:
Providing IT training to more than 200,000 university graduates and launching student training programs in collaboration with Huawei.
Introducing a policy for the establishment of 10,000 E-Rozgar Centers across the country for freelancers and startups.
Signing a landmark PKR 12.5 billion Zone Development Agreement between the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
Conducting the 24th edition of Information Technology and Telecommunication Network Asia (ITCN Asia), which helped secure business investment deals worth USD 500 million.
Launching an Artificial Intelligence (AI) academy by Google, with Google Cloud Credits of up to USD 350,000 for promotion, experimentation, and development of AI.
Establishing freelancing hubs in government schools in the Gilgit-Baltistan area for local youth.
Mining and Minerals: The Untapped Treasure
The mining and mineral sector of Pakistan is truly an untapped treasure, and a lot of progress has been made in the past year. The year began with an agreement worth USD 500 million with a U.S.-based company, which has the potential to grow into a multi-billion-dollar business over the next three to four years. Taking just one deposit of copper and gold in Reko Diq, the raw deposits are worth more than USD 6 trillion. This is probably a rare moment when the government is seriously working to formulate policy frameworks for various sectors to maximize their potential. Below are some of the major achievements of SIFC in the mineral sector over the past year:
A comprehensive revenue generation plan for the next three years has been formulated, with the goal of generating more than PKR 150 billion in the next three years.
The major achievements are related to resolving long-standing issues that have hindered progress in the sector. Over the past year, around 173 old cases were resolved, and implementation of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) has begun.
The Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) has launched an International Graduates Development Program (IGDP), in which graduates from Balochistan are trained in mines across various countries for two years, after which they are employed in their mines for coveted jobs. Nine students have graduated from the program, and eighteen are expected to join different courses in January 2025.
Energy Sector: Moving Towards Green Energy
Blessed with diverse terrains that take advantage of varying climatic conditions, sub-surface treasures, and stunning views, Pakistan also holds great potential in the energy sector. The country receives ample sunlight throughout the year and has excellent wind corridors that facilitate the establishment of renewable energy parks to harness solar and wind energy. A few major achievements in the renewable energy sector are outlined below:
SIFC has finalized its vision for 2031, which emphasizes increasing reliance on renewable energy.
A one-megawatt solar project has begun operations in GB.
A 150-megawatt (MW) solar project in Sukkur has also been commissioned.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has pledged USD 101 million to support two hydropower projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Two more projects, the Shounter Hydropower Project (48 MW) and the Jagran-IV Hydropower Project (22 MW), will add a total capacity of 70 MW to the national grid.
Analyzing the Performance of Eighteen Months
In a nutshell, when we analyze the performance of SIFC over the past year, we can confidently say that this organization is poised to bring significant contributions to Pakistan’s economy and will play a crucial role in achieving self-sufficiency. What SIFC has accomplished in just one year is equivalent to more than three decades of progress across various sectors. The only requirement now is for the institution to be allowed to continue functioning with full government support and public encouragement. I firmly believe that SIFC is a national effort and should be promoted as such. Until we, as Pakistanis, unite as a nation and work collectively for the betterment of our country, we will not be able to fully benefit from the treasures that Allah has blessed us with. 

The author is a PhD scholar in Management Sciences with extensive experience in Project Management.