PIBF to launch nationwide 'District Economy Campaign' for sustainable local economic development

LAHORE -- The Pak International Business Forum (PIBF) has announced the launch of its nationwide 'District Economy Campaign', a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering local governments, strengthening district economies and accelerating sustainable economic development across Pakistan.

PIBF Central Secretary General Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said Pakistan's economic revival depends on transforming every district into a vibrant, self-reliant and investment-friendly economic hub. He said the campaign will cover all districts of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad Capital Territory.

"The campaign is based on the principle that an empowered and financially autonomous local government system is the key to eliminating poverty and ensuring equitable development," he said.

Explaining the objectives of the initiative, Tanveer said PIBF advocates quality education and healthcare, efficient municipal services, modern civic infrastructure and improved public amenities in every district. The campaign also seeks to promote trade, investment, entrepreneurship and industrial growth to generate sustainable employment and strengthen local economies.

He said PIBF believes close collaboration among the business community, elected representatives, local governments and the public sector is essential for balanced and inclusive economic growth. The forum will also advocate the establishment of industrial estates, industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to unlock the economic potential of every district and attract domestic and foreign investment.

Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said the campaign calls for equitable development opportunities for all districts through a transparent and need-based resource allocation mechanism to ensure balanced regional growth across the country.

As part of its policy recommendations, PIBF will advocate that a defined share of resources under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award be transferred directly to district governments to strengthen local governance and enable districts to undertake development projects according to their own priorities.

He further proposed that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) should introduce an interest-free microfinance scheme for individuals intending to establish small businesses. "Instead of remaining dependent on financial assistance, beneficiaries should be empowered to become entrepreneurs and job creators. Loan repayments would create a revolving fund, enabling many more deserving people to benefit from the programme," he added.

Highlighting the digital component of the campaign, Tanveer said PIBF plans to launch a Digital Transformation Support Programme to equip youth, entrepreneurs and businesses with modern digital skills and technological capabilities. As part of the initiative, the forum proposes establishing 838 Digital Transformation Support Centres across Pakistan to promote innovation, technology adoption and business competitiveness.

He said the campaign also advocates granting local governments greater fiscal autonomy by enabling them to generate and retain local tax revenues for district development. Such financial empowerment, he said, would help improve infrastructure, enhance public services and create sustainable economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

"The District Economy Campaign is not merely an economic initiative; it is a national movement to build prosperous districts, create employment, reduce poverty and strengthen Pakistan's economy from the grassroots. Strong districts are the foundation of a strong and prosperous Pakistan," Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer concluded.