Standing Committee on Commerce Reviews PSDP Projects and Export Initiatives to Boost Growth

 

Islamabad, the 23rd February, 2026 — The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Mr. Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, MNA, convened to deliberate on pressing economic, trade and industry matters.

The Committee discussed the Calling Attention Notice moved by Aliya Kamran, where Members expressed concern about long standing structural loopholes in Pakistan’s export framework that have remained unresolved for almost two decades. They highlighted persistent challenges in domestic production, reliance on imports, high cost of doing business, taxation policies, provincial cess, and energy and foreign exchange constraints. Members also discussed alternative trade partnerships in light of regional developments and the exit of multinational companies. The Chairman emphasized the need for comprehensive planning, inter-ministerial coordination, and in-camera briefings by the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, and the State Bank to ensure informed decision-making on regional trade, security, and economic strategies.

 

The Committee also reviewed two major initiatives under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP): the Expo Centre Quetta and the Export Accelerator for SMEs. Concerns were raised over cost escalation, prolonged delays, changes in project location, lack of provincial coordination, and accountability gaps. The Ministry of Commerce sought additional funding of Rs. 3 billion, while Planning advised that allocations be managed within existing resources or via project-specific approvals. On the Export Accelerator for SMEs, members stressed the need for clear outcomes, financial commitment, and inter-ministerial coordination to ensure effective implementation.

In another key discussion, the Committee endorsed the timely allocation of Rs. 15 billion from the Export Development Fund (EDF) to support rice exporters, noting its strategic importance amid regional market shifts and India’s export restrictions. The Ministry confirmed daily monitoring and committed to submitting a detailed follow-up report within 90 days.

 

The Committee reviewed NICL’s performance and board composition, recognizing strong results over the past three years and real estate holdings valued at Rs. 25 billion, including six units in Dubai worth Rs. 4.6 billion. Members discussed investment limits, SOPs, portfolio diversification, and risk coverage, while PRCL’s mandate and investment philosophy were reviewed in the context of its upcoming privatization.

 

Pakistan’s gem and jewelry sector was also discussed, with members noting $450 billion in estimated reserves, exports of Swat emeralds and tamerline, and challenges such as illegal gold exports and lack of hallmarking. Proposals for a regulatory body, export promotion centers, and adoption of regional and international best practices were presented to ensure self-sustainability and separate management of gems and jewelry. The Chairman directed the Ministry of Commerce to evaluate these proposals against existing policies and submit recommendations.

 

Finally, concerns regarding value addition requirements and SRO 760 affecting gold and gemstone exports were highlighted. Members emphasized better coordination between the Ministry of Commerce and the State Bank to resolve remittance and regulatory issues. The Chairman instructed that all stakeholders be consulted and that senior State Bank officials present concrete solutions at the next meeting.

 

The Committee underscored the need for timely implementation, financial clarity, and inter-governmental coordination across all sectors to strengthen exports, create employment, and ensure sustainable economic growth.

 

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Mr. Asad Alam Niazi, Ms. Kiran Haider, Mr. Gul Asghar Khan, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Shaista pervaiz, Mr. Farhan Chishti, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Junejo, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani and Mr. Amir Ali Khan Magsi in person and Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig and Mr. Muhammad Numan attended the meeting Virtually. The senior officers from Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Law & Justice, Finance Division, Planning Development and Special Initiative and National Assembly Secretariat were also present in the meeting.