Pakistan Partners with Asian Development Bank to Enhance Women’s Financial Inclusion
In a significant step towards fostering gender equality in economic participation, Pakistan has signed a USD 350 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative aims to boost financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women across the country, marking a strategic effort to strengthen women's role in Pakistan's financial ecosystem.
Details of the Agreement
The loan deal was finalized in Islamabad, with Sabina Qureshi, Additional Secretary of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division, sealing the agreement alongside Dinesh Raj Shiwakoti, Head of ADB’s Project Administration Unit. This funding forms part of the Women Inclusive Finance (WIF) Sector Development Programme's second sub-programme.
Key Focus Areas of the Women Inclusive Finance Programme
The programme is designed to tackle four main pillars to promote women's financial inclusion:
- Establishing supportive regulatory and policy frameworks to ease women's access to financial services.
- Expanding financing opportunities tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs and borrowers.
- Strengthening female entrepreneurial skills to enhance business growth and sustainability.
- Developing inclusive work environments within the financial sector to further support gender inclusion.
By improving women’s access to credit and broadening their business opportunities, the programme is expected to generate more employment and stimulate economic growth, aligning with Pakistan’s wider goal of socially inclusive development.
Economic Context Amid New Financing
This substantial financial support comes against a backdrop of economic challenges. The Economic Survey 2024-25 revealed that Pakistan’s debt surged to PKR 76 trillion within the first nine months of the fiscal year. Nonetheless, the economy is forecasted to grow by 2.7% in 2025, indicating resilience despite fiscal pressures.
Besides the ADB loan, the government is actively pursuing $3.3 billion in additional external financing through syndicated loans and refinancing arrangements with Chinese banks. Moreover, Pakistan remains engaged in a $7 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), having already received two funding tranches, the most recent in May.
Driving Equitable Growth Through Women's Empowerment
Empowering women financially is seen as a catalyst for equitable and sustainable growth in Pakistan. By enhancing access to financial services and supporting women entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to embed gender inclusivity within the nation’s broader economic framework.
Ultimately, this partnership with the Asian Development Bank underscores a commitment to breaking down barriers for women in finance, paving the way for more inclusive development and economic participation across Pakistan.
