KP assembly passes Aasan Karobar Bill 2025

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday passed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Aasan Karobar Bill 2025, aimed at simplifying business registration, licensing and permits through a single online portal.

Under the legislation, an Aasan Karobar Portal will be set up to register all businesses in the province, issue digital IDs, and process permits and licences through e-payment.

The bill also provides for the establishment of the Ease of Doing Business Directorate (EDBD), to be chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The directorate will be responsible for creating, renewing and maintaining all services linked to business regulation, as well as setting up the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Regulatory Registry.

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According to the statement of objects and reasons, the law seeks to establish a one-window digital platform integrating relevant government departments and regulatory bodies to ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability in processing business-related applications.

The government said the framework was designed to streamline procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and encourage trade and investment in the province.

“Through the proposed legal framework mandatory integration of relevant government departments, authorities and regulatory bodies into a unified digital platform shall be achieved, ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in the processing of business-related applications.”

KP follows Centre

By introducing new legislation on ease of business, the provincial government has followed the centre, which approved the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in June 2023.

SIFC acts as a single window to facilitate investors, establish cooperation among all government departments, and fast-track project development.

It is chaired by prime minister with members including federal ministers, provincial chiefs and the head of the army.

According to the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Pakistan “established the SIFC to shorten lengthy business processes through a cooperative and collaborative whole-of-the-government approach with the representation of all stakeholders.”

It is aimed at capitalizing on Pakistan’s untapped potential in key sectors of defense production, agriculture, mining, information technology (IT) and energy through domestic and foreign investments.