New law mandates provision of roads, electricity, gas and telecom infrastructure for SEZs within one year to support investment and economic growth.
On the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday approved the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill 2026 after its passage by both houses of Parliament, according to an official statement.
According to the revised law, the federal and provincial governments will be responsible for providing road access and utilities, including electricity, gas, telecommunication services and other essential infrastructure up to the designated zero point of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within one year of notification in cases where the zones are established on public land or by public sector entities.
The legislation replaces the Special Economic Zones Amendment Ordinance 2026, which had earlier been withdrawn by the federal government.
The amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act, 2012 are aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s fiscal framework, promoting economic activity and attracting foreign investment.
The law also allows the Board of Investment (BOI), on a case-by-case basis and under approved criteria, to permit similar infrastructure support at government expense for SEZs established by private parties.
The legislation further aims to encourage the development of SEZs through incentives, an investor-friendly framework and faster dispute resolution mechanisms.
Both the National Assembly and Senate had earlier passed the amendments before the bill was sent to the president for approval.
