Sindh prioritises women in new SME loan initiative

Karachi: The Sindh government has launched a new initiative to provide easy loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a special focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
As part of the initiative, the provincial government signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Bank Islami and Soneri Bank to facilitate access to affordable financing for SMEs across Sindh. Women will be given priority under the scheme, reflecting the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive economic growth.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Investment and Public-Private Partnership, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, said that the agreements aim to offer loans on easy terms to help start and expand businesses.
“The loan facilities will provide a significant boost to small and medium businesses, particularly for women who will be prioritised,” Qamar stated. “In addition to financial support, technical assistance will also be offered.”
The scheme targets a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, poultry, cold storage, and mining. Beneficiaries will also be eligible for interest rate subsidies based on the Karachi Interbank Offered Rate (KIBOR), provided through the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF).
Qamar added that the provincial government is taking all possible measures to strengthen the SME sector and promote inclusive economic development.

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“The KIBOR-based subsidy will make credit more affordable and encourage entrepreneurship in underserved areas and sectors,” he said.
The move comes as part of Sindh’s broader efforts to stimulate economic activity, empower women, and support low-income households through inclusive finance and development programmes.