Delays in access roads, utilities, and funding were discussed in the meeting of the Working Group on SEZs, convened at the request of SIFC The Board of Investment (BoI) has instructed relevant entities to resolve the challenges faced by investors in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), particularly in Punjab and Balochistan. According to a news report, the directive came during a meeting of the Working Group on SEZs, convened at the request of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to address concerns raised by Challenge SEZ and Hub SEZ. Challenge Fashion (Pvt) Ltd had flagged issues with the draft development agreement.
These were initially discussed in a meeting between the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) Punjab and the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT), where it was suggested that the company negotiate terms directly with SEZA Punjab. Challenge Fashion’s CEO confirmed the company’s willingness to proceed with construction once access roads are completed and utilities are provided at zero point. The access road, under construction since September 2024, is expected to be completed by February 2025.
During the meeting, BoI’s Director General (SEZ & Projects) asked SEZA Punjab to clarify the situation. A representative from SEZA Punjab noted that SNGPL had issued a demand notice for utility connections, which requires payment before further action. Challenge Fashion’s CEO, however, stressed that providing utilities to zero point is the governmen.
