The Beverage industry has the Potential to drive broader economic growth, says Dr. Faisal Hashmi at The Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2026 . The Leaders in Islamabad Business Summit 2026, held in the federal capital, brought together top corporate leaders, policymakers, and economic experts to discuss strategies for sustainable economic stabilization and industrial growth.
In his address during the opening session, Dr. Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director at The Coca-Cola Company and Chairman of the Beverages Advisory Foundation, acknowledged recent government policy interventions and echoed calls for structural reform. He stated, “We have seen some relief from the government, and we are thankful for these significant efforts. We have been working with other industries to support the stabilization of the economy.”
Dr. Hashmi emphasized the private sector’s long-term commitment, highlighting that “the beverage industry alone has invested around $3 billion in recent years.”
He elaborated on the sector’s potential, identifying the vast, untapped growth capacity of Pakistan’s beverage industry as a key contributor to broader economic recovery. He stressed that if a level playing field and an equitable, business-friendly tax regime are established, the sector could greatly expand its economic footprint. This expansion could be achieved through transparent tax compliance, high-quality production standards, and large-scale livelihood creation within its extensive supply chain.
“By establishing a predictable, stable, and transparent regulatory framework, global investors will view Pakistan’s high-density market more favorably, opening doors to much-needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Strengthened FDI and sustainable growth in the beverage sector will enable industry leaders to meaningfully reinvest in local communities through social impact initiatives, environmental stewardship programs, and youth development, ensuring that economic growth translates into lasting community progress,” he added.
Dr. Hashmi called for a balanced fiscal policy that incentivizes compliant, formal market players while bringing the large informal sector under regulatory oversight and the tax net. Documenting and regulating informal operators, he noted, would not only broaden the national tax base and safeguard consumer health through standardized quality controls, but also send a strong, positive signal to global markets and investors.
