Karachi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a USD 350 million financing agreement with Pakistan to support the second phase of the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Programme. The initiative aims to expand women’s access to finance, enhance entrepreneurship opportunities, and promote inclusive employment practices in the financial sector.
The agreement was formalized between Additional Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division Sabina Qureshi and Dinesh Raj Shiwakoti, Head of ADB’s Project Administration Unit. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also signed a related project agreement for a USD 50 million Financial Intermediary Loan (FIL), which forms part of the total financing.
According to official details, the programme builds on earlier reforms under its first phase and focuses on four core areas: improving the regulatory and policy environment for women’s financial inclusion, expanding gender-responsive financial products and services, strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, and encouraging inclusive workplace practices across financial institutions.
Out of the total amount, USD 300 million is allocated as a policy-based loan, while the remaining USD 50 million will be distributed through financial intermediaries to support lending initiatives specifically targeting women.
The programme is expected to contribute to Pakistan’s broader goals of increasing female participation in the economy and improving gender equity in financial services. It also aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of women in national development through targeted reforms and partnerships.
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