Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Finance Ministry to take action against banks that are delaying the provision of loans to farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar housing scheme.
The directive was issued during a review meeting in Islamabad focused on improving access to credit for priority sectors. The prime minister stressed that financial institutions must play a more active role in supporting borrowers who are seeking financing through government-backed initiatives.
According to the meeting’s agenda, expanding access to loans for agriculture, SMEs and housing remains an important part of the government’s economic strategy. These sectors are considered significant for supporting economic activity, creating jobs and improving opportunities for different segments of society.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of making financing more accessible to farmers and small business owners. He said stronger financial support for these groups could help strengthen economic activity and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Agriculture remains a key sector in Pakistan’s economy, with farmers requiring access to financing for agricultural inputs, equipment and other operational needs. Delays in loan processing can make it difficult for borrowers to secure funds when they need them, potentially affecting their activities.
Small and medium enterprises are also an important focus of the government’s lending priorities. These businesses contribute to employment and commercial activity, but access to affordable financing can be a major challenge for smaller companies seeking to expand operations or manage business costs.
The Apna Ghar housing scheme is another area receiving attention. The initiative aims to facilitate access to housing finance for eligible applicants, making timely loan processing important for people planning to purchase or construct homes.
The prime minister praised banks that had performed well in facilitating loans under various government initiatives. However, he also emphasised that all financial institutions should demonstrate cooperation with priority sectors.
He stressed that banks receive support and cooperation from the government and its institutions, and they should extend a similar level of commitment when providing financing to eligible borrowers.
By directing the SBP and Finance Ministry to address delays, the government is seeking stronger oversight of lending practices and improved implementation of its financing initiatives.
The latest directive places responsibility on the relevant authorities to examine the performance of banks and take appropriate action where lending delays are identified. However, specific penalties, enforcement measures or deadlines for action were not detailed in the provided announcement.
The government’s focus on agriculture, SMEs and housing reflects its broader effort to improve access to finance, encourage business activity and support employment generation. Effective implementation will be important in ensuring that eligible borrowers can benefit from the available financing programmes.