The caretaker government of Pakistan has taken a significant step by establishing the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to develop the nation’s first robust industrial policy.
Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz announced this initiative on Saturday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development. The Industries and Production Division has officially issued a notification confirming the formation of the IAC, comprised of 13 leading industrial groups in Pakistan.
Minister Gohar Ejaz will chair the IAC and includes prominent industrialists such as Fawad Anwer Mukhtar, Muhammad Ali Tabba, Waqar Ahmed Malik, and several others from the private sector.
Public sector representation includes key governmental figures like the Additional Secretary (In-charge) of the I&P Division, the Secretaries of the Finance and Commerce Divisions, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, and Chief Secretaries from provincial governments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Joint Secretary (IF) of the I&P Division will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.
Minister Gohar Ejaz expressed his enthusiasm about leading the IAC as the Federal Minister of Commerce and Industry, recognizing the opportunity to chart a prosperous future for Pakistan. The council is mandated to hold weekly meetings and is expected to submit its final report within ten weeks. The notification also states that the Minister for Commerce and Industries will serve as the IAC’s convener and chairman, with the authority to co-opt additional members from the public or private sector as needed. This collaborative effort between government and industry leaders is poised to impact Pakistan’s industrial landscape significantly.