{
  "id": 20209304,
  "title": "Islamabad business community seeks 1,000 acres for special economic zone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/islamabad-business-community-seeks-1-000-acres-for-special-economic",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-15T17:19:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40449032/islamabad-business-community-seeks-1000-acres-for-special-economic-zone"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Islamabad business community has requested the federal and Punjab governments for the allocation of between 800-1,000 acres of land to build a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the city. ICCI President Muhammad Zikria Akbar Zia made this request during an interview with Business Recorder, adding that a 10-year economic policy framework is also needed for the zone's establishment. He emphasized that the project aims to replace the old industrial sector in Islamabad, which is now outdated and insufficient to accommodate the city's rapidly growing population. Zia stressed that the SEZ could attract multibillion-dollar investments, create thousands of jobs, and help protect local industries from moving to other areas due to a lack of industrial plots. He also expressed hope that Chinese and Turkish companies would invest in Islamabad, which is considered one of the safest areas in the country. The SEZ would also support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to the economy. Zia also mentioned that the chamber is addressing water supply issues in Islamabad and is trying to bring relief for traders by easing polyethene bag-related regulations. He advocated for the ICCI to have a non-voting member in the policy-making process, as well as local government elections in Islamabad. Zia welcomed Pakistan's hosting of the 30th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, calling it an opportunity to strengthen regional economic integration, expand trade, and attract investment. He called for the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration and the ECO Vision 2035 to provide a roadmap for regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project in enhancing Pakistan's role as a regional trade and logistics hub. Zia stressed the need for meaningful progress on the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and Transit Transport Framework Agreement (TTFA) to simplify trade procedures, reduce transportation costs, and facilitate goods movement across member countries.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: The business community of Islamabad has approached the federal government and the Punjab government for the allocation of 800-1,000 acres land for the establishment of Islamabad Model Special Economic Zone (IMSEZ). Talking to Business Recorder , President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Muhammad Zikria Akbar Zia here on Sunday also called for a 10-year economic…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}