The government plans to launch a Pakistan Business Portal to bring registration, licensing, and compliance services onto a single digital platform. The move is aimed at making it easier for businesses to operate without navigating multiple offices and lengthy procedures.
The proposed portal is part of the broader Digital Economy Enhancement Project and is being led by the Board of Investment (BOI). Officials say consulting firms have been invited to help design and implement the system, marking an early step toward its development.
According to officials familiar with the plan, the portal will act as a “one-window” operation, connecting services from both federal and provincial departments. This means businesses would be able to complete most formalities from registration to regulatory compliance through a single online platform.
Pakistan has long struggled with complicated business procedures, often requiring approvals from multiple departments. This has been a key concern for investors and small business owners alike, who frequently cite delays and red tape as major obstacles. In recent years, the government has been working to improve ease of doing business through digital solutions, though progress has been uneven.
The new portal is expected to go beyond basic digitisation. Officials say it will include features such as a unified business ID, automated workflows, and integrated payment systems. There are also plans to introduce AI-based tools to assist users and streamline processes.
The system will rely on coordination between several institutions, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), along with other federal and provincial bodies. Integrating existing databases and payment gateways will be a key part of making the platform functional.
Authorities also plan to develop a legal and institutional framework to support the initiative. This includes the possibility of setting up a dedicated Pakistan Business Portal Authority to manage and oversee the system once it is operational.
