Business Desk 
Oct 19, 2025
Pakistan has launched a nationwide support programme giving micro-enterprises access to government-backed loans and development services.
The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Special Assistant on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, in order to initiate a space to promote financial empowerment among businesses across Pakistan.
Pakistan's micro-enterprises support programme
While addressing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) in Lahore, Akhtar stated that the government is determined to build a stronger and more inclusive SME sector.
One significant barrier is "access to finance and low financial literacy," and this joint venture will directly address those barriers.
Under the MoU, both SMEDA and MMBL will collaborate on delivering loans and business development services targeting small enterprises in the towns and villages of Pakistan.
The programme will also focus on women entrepreneurs and how to facilitate their enhanced participation in the MSME ecosystem.
Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production Saif Anjum said that the partnership falls in line with the prime minister's vision to build a stronger SME ecosystem.
He stated that the outreach network of SMEDA will organise financial literacy programmes while MMBL will offer digital finance and lending opportunities.
SMEDA CEO Socrat Aman Rana stated that Pakistan's total microfinance business is now at Rs650 billion (approx. US$2.45 billion), with 71.3% of that coming from microfinance banks.
MMBL CEO Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry added that combining digital finance, training, and credit will help small businesses thrive and drive sustainable growth across Pakistan.
