Tech Desk 
Feb 26, 2025
An undated image of State Bank of Pakistan building in Karachi.—SBP
In line with the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields across Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad has urged banks to increase AI use to have better access to affordable financial services.
As per the SBP chief, increased use of the generative technology will primarily boost financial accessibility for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture and women, The News reported, citing a statement.
“Our banks need to rethink their current business model, reassess their priorities, and play a more active role in financial intermediation. For achieving a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the country would require a significant increase in depth and breadth of the financial sector,“ he said.
By supplementing its cellular and satellite data with AI to provide cost-effective alternative delivery channels, the banking sector can enhance the access, usage, and quality of financial services, remarked Ahmad at the Pakistan Banking Summit 2025.
By ensuring digital transactional access through secure portals, banks ought to “work on a war footing” to facilitate businesses in digitising their payment methods.
The SBP governor was of the view that it's unlikely for a country to attain sustainable economic growth with insignificant private credit.
