Pakistan Economic Summit sparks call for district autonomy to drive exports and growth
Business leaders urge constitutional reforms to empower districts and accelerate economic development across Pakistan.
Business leaders participate in the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad.
The Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 concluded with renewed calls for district-level autonomy as business leaders outlined a roadmap for sustainable economic growth, export expansion and poverty reduction. Speaking after the two-day summit in Islamabad, Mian Zahid Hussain praised the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the United Business Group (UBG) for bringing together traders, industrialists, exporters, investors and economists from across the country to develop a unified national economic agenda.
Business Community Backs Economic Reforms
Mian Zahid Hussain congratulated FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, UBG Patron-in-Chief S. M. Tanveer, organisers and participants for the successful event held at the Jinnah Convention Centre.
He said the summit united representatives from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, chambers of commerce, trade associations and the corporate sector to discuss investment, exports and economic reforms.
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District Autonomy Proposed as Growth Strategy
Hussain argued that Pakistan’s long-term economic progress depends on transferring administrative, financial and development powers to district governments.
He said stronger district and union council institutions would improve tax collection, infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrial development, agriculture, digital services and public accountability while creating employment opportunities.
Proposal for District Economic Commissioners
The business leader proposed establishing a District Economic Commissioner in every district to coordinate investment, facilitate businesses and promote exports.
According to Hussain, the proposed office would work with local governments, chambers of commerce, industrialists, SMEs, universities and trade associations to improve ease of doing business and strengthen district-level economic planning.
FPCCI Role in Export Promotion
He also recommended stronger institutional coordination between FPCCI and district economic offices to promote locally manufactured products in international markets.
Hussain said the First Pakistan Economic Summit had created a unified platform for economic recovery and urged policymakers to transform its recommendations into a constitutional framework supporting district autonomy and sustainable national development.
