ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has announced a collaborative effort with Top City-I to host the Top City-1 Expo 2025, set to take place from February 21 to 23. This announcement was made by Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, the President of ICCI, during a pre-launch event held at the S.M. Muneer Auditorium at the Chamber House, which was attended by a wide range of business leaders, stakeholders, and prominent figures from across the country.
President Qureshi, in his address, underscored the immense significance of the real estate sector to Pakistan’s overall economic development. He declared 2025 to be the “Year of Real Estate,” noting that the sector, valued at over $2 trillion, is one of the largest contributors to employment and business opportunities in the country. He explained that revitalizing this vital industry would not only benefit private enterprises but also provide a substantial boost to government revenues, which are essential for the country’s fiscal health.
The ICCI President also praised the proactive efforts of Top City-1, recognizing the initiative as a step in the right direction for addressing the sector’s challenges. He reiterated ICCI’s full commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting initiatives that drive sustainable economic growth. According to Qureshi, the revival of the real estate sector will create a ripple effect, benefitting both the private and public sectors by providing new avenues for investment, job creation, and revenue generation.
Tariq Sadiq, Chairman of the Founder Group ICCI, shared an optimistic outlook, acknowledging the government’s recognition of the negative impact of irrational taxation on the real estate market. He expressed confidence that the sector’s revival is crucial for Pakistan’s broader economic recovery, noting that it would serve as a catalyst for economic development across multiple industries.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood, a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force for the Development of Housing, highlighted positive changes that are on the horizon. He quoted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent statement, which confirmed the government’s intention to introduce favorable policies for the real estate sector, including the removal of the Federal Excise Duty on property transactions. This policy change, Mehmood believes, will ease the financial burden on real estate transactions and help stimulate growth in the sector.
Brigadier Sikandar Khan ®, Chief Operating Officer of Topcity-1, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from ICCI and emphasized the collective determination of the business community to overcome challenges and contribute to the nation’s development. He called for greater unity among business leaders to tackle the current difficulties and ensure the real estate sector’s growth.
A significant moment during the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICCI and Topcity-1. The MoU, formalizing their collaboration for the Top City-1 Expo 2025, was signed by ICCI Secretary-General Ghulam Murtaza Siddiqui and Brigadier Sikandar Khan ® on behalf of Topcity-1. The partnership aims to bring together industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders to discuss key trends, investment opportunities, and the future of real estate in Pakistan.
Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui concluded the event by reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to removing barriers to doing business in Pakistan and supporting initiatives that facilitate the ease of doing business. He stressed that the chamber remains steadfast in its mission to create a conducive environment for business growth and economic prosperity.
The event also featured a presentation by Waqas Khan Swati, an ICCI member and CEO of Waqas International, who elaborated on the potential and vision for the upcoming Top City-1 Expo 2025. His insights highlighted the vast opportunities that exist within Pakistan’s real estate sector and the ways in which the industry can thrive with the right policies and investments.
The pre-launch event was attended by several notable figures, including ICCI Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, former ICCI Presidents Zubair Ahmed Malik and Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, executive members Zulqurnain Abbasi, Shumaila Siddiqui, Ishaq Sial, Irfan Chaudhry, and ICCI President’s Advisor Naeem Siddiqui, as well as Topcity-1 executive Ghulam Yasin and other leading members of the business community.
