Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged commercial banks to expand agricultural financing and improve access to loans for small farmers. Pakistan aims to increase agricultural lending to Rs. 1.5 trillion by June 2027.
Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks during a meeting with the heads of 10 major commercial banks in Islamabad. The meeting reviewed progress in agricultural financing, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the Apna Ghar Program.
The prime minister appreciated banks for supporting these key sectors through increased lending. He said better access to financing could encourage investment, boost production, create jobs, and support economic growth.
According to the meeting’s briefing, agricultural loans reached Rs. 1,352 billion by the end of September 2026. These loans benefited 3,455,313 people across the country.
The government plans to increase agricultural financing to Rs. 1,500 billion by June 2027. It also aims to expand the number of farmers benefiting from these loans to 4.5 million.
Shehbaz emphasized the importance of agricultural financing in improving farmers’ livelihoods and increasing crop production. He also highlighted its role in strengthening Pakistan’s food security.
The prime minister directed banks to prioritize small farmers and help them adopt modern farming methods. He stressed that major commercial banks should also improve their services for small-scale agricultural borrowers.
Apna Ghar Program Financing Progress
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Apna Ghar Program, which supports housing development. Officials informed participants that loans worth Rs. 426 billion had been approved under the initiative.
However, only Rs. 76 billion had been disbursed so far. Shehbaz Sharif called for reducing the gap between approved loans and actual disbursements.
He emphasized that beneficiaries should receive funds without unnecessary delays. Consultations are also underway to develop a framework that improves developers’ access to financing.
For fiscal year 2026-27, the program aims to provide Rs. 700 billion in financing. This funding is expected to support the construction and delivery of 125,000 housing units.
SME Lending Targets Set for June 2027
The meeting also discussed financing for small and medium enterprises. According to the briefing, approximately 350,862 business owners have received loans worth Rs. 1,137 billion.
The government aims to increase SME lending to Rs. 1,500 billion by June 2027. It also plans to raise the number of beneficiaries to 565,000.
Shehbaz Sharif described SMEs as an important part of Pakistan’s economy. He said their growth could generate employment opportunities and encourage wider economic activity.
Representatives of the participating banks expressed support for the government’s economic policies. They also praised its efforts to promote economic stability.
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The bank representatives said cooperation with the government was being strengthened to expand financing in priority sectors. The targets cover agriculture, housing, and small businesses, with a focus on improving access to credit and supporting economic development.
