A top business leader has thrown his weight behind a proposal to transform Pakistan's recently concluded economic summit into a recurring, nationwide series of gatherings, arguing that such a move could unlock regional potential and deepen private-sector support for the national agenda. Main Developments Malik Khuda Bakhsh, who chairs the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) and leads the Pakistan Business Forum's Sindh chapter, praised the two-day Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 held in Islamabad as a significant initiative. In a statement issued Thursday, he said the event reflected the business community's unified backing for the country's economic direction under the leadership of United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer. The summit convened industrialists, exporters, economists, and policymakers from across the country, providing a common platform to discuss pressing economic challenges and opportunities. Bakhsh congratulated Tanveer on the organization of the event, emphasizing that it showcased the private sector's commitment to contributing to national development. Read also: PM Sharif, Army Chief Land in Jeddah for Key Saudi Visit Background Bakhsh's remarks come amid ongoing efforts to strengthen public-private collaboration in Pakistan, where economic stability has been a persistent concern. The summit itself was designed as a high-level dialogue between business and government, part of a broader push by the UBG to align private-sector priorities with state policy. The proposal to expand the summit to all four provinces and major industrial centers is rooted in the belief that regional voices are often underrepresented in national economic planning. By taking the event on the road, organizers hope to surface region-specific issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Why It Matters The stakes are high: a more inclusive economic dialogue could help integrate local business potential into the national agenda, boosting exports and investment. For Pakistan, where economic recovery depends on broad-based growth, tapping regional industrial capacity is not just a logistical exercise—it's a potential game-changer for sustainable development. Regular summits would also signal that the private sector is not a passive observer but an active partner in shaping economic policy. That shift in tone could bolster investor confidence at a time when the country needs it most. What's Next Bakhsh has recommended that the summit become a regular feature, with similar gatherings planned in each province and in major industrial and commercial hubs. Whether the UBG and government will adopt this regional expansion remains an open question, but the proposal sets the stage for a more decentralized approach to economic policymaking.