Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP), in collaboration with the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) and Atlas Network, convened a consultative meeting in Islamabad to discuss reforms aimed at easing business compliance and improving the ease of doing business for small traders and entrepreneurs.
The meeting marked the start of the implementation phase of FGP’s Digital Compliance Gateway initiative. Hosted at ICSTSI, the session brought together policy advocates and representatives of the small business community to examine the practical challenges micro and small enterprises face in navigating federal compliance processes.
Focus on real-world compliance challenges
Participants reviewed on-ground hurdles that increase the cost of doing business, discourage formalization, and create uncertainty for small traders. Discussions explored realistic reform options to reduce regulatory burdens and improve the business environment through practical, evidence-based measures.
The FGP delegation was led by Muhammad Anwar (CEO, FGP) and included Shafqat Aziz, Dr. Shahbaz Tariq, and Asad Rafi (CEO, Micronox Digital), a partner organization supporting the initiative.
The session was hosted by Muhammad Awais Satti (President, ICSTSI), along with members of the Chamber’s executive committee and representatives of small traders and industries, including Sheikh Tayyab Saeed (Senior Vice President), Sardar Zaheer Ahmed (Vice President), Sher Muhammad, and other senior members.
Key remarks
Speaking at the meeting, Muhammad Anwar noted that fragmented and duplicative compliance requirements continue to place a heavy burden on small businesses by increasing costs and discouraging entry into the formal economy. He shared that the Digital Compliance Gateway is designed as a practical reform to consolidate initial compliance requirements through a simplified digital process, developed in close coordination with chambers representing grassroots entrepreneurs.
Welcoming the initiative, ICSTSI President Muhammad Awais Satti highlighted that small traders often face delays, lack of clarity, and multiple points of interaction with regulatory institutions. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for policy reforms that improve predictability and reduce unnecessary friction for small enterprises.
Next steps agreed
Participants agreed that the next phase of work will focus on:
- Documenting real compliance journeys of Chamber members
- Identifying key bottlenecks and pain points in federal compliance pathways
- Jointly developing a policy note for engagement with relevant federal authorities
As a way forward, both sides agreed to nominate member businesses for case documentation, designate focal persons for coordination, and continue structured engagement to advance practical, pro-business regulatory reforms.
