Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy, calling it a major move toward inclusive and sustainable development.
He was speaking at the Joint Pakistan–Azerbaijan Women Entrepreneurship Dialogue, where he underlined the growing role of women entrepreneurs in strengthening productivity, exports and overall economic competitiveness.
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According to him, the National Industrial Policy now gives central importance to women entrepreneurs, recognizing them as key contributors to production growth and economic resilience. Greater participation of women, he said, can significantly improve export performance and stability.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said women across Pakistan have turned limited resources into meaningful opportunities, creating a quiet yet powerful economic transformation. From villages to major cities, women are actively involved in business, industry and trade.
He praised the contributions of women in education, healthcare, business and public service, noting that Pakistani women have demonstrated leadership across sectors. However, he also acknowledged challenges such as limited access to finance, digital tools and global markets.
Despite these hurdles, he said women continue to progress with creativity, patience and resilience. He stressed that women’s economic inclusion is now a national strategy focused on leadership, scale and global competitiveness.
The SAPM said the Ministry of Industries and Production, with SMEDA as its key arm, is strengthening women-led enterprises through training, mentoring, advisory services and market access support.
He added that SMEDA’s three-year business plan includes special initiatives for women-owned businesses, while SME financing schemes are being aligned to make access to credit easier.
Welcoming cooperation between the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Azerbaijan Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he said women-led enterprises can boost trade in textiles, agriculture, IT, tourism and creative industries.
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He emphasized that Women Chambers of Commerce are no longer symbolic bodies but active institutions driving reform and growth. Today’s women entrepreneurs, he said, seek equal access, fair opportunities and a level playing field.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said women entrepreneurship will remain central to Pakistan’s economic strategy for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
This policy signals a shift from promises to action for women entrepreneurs. Government support and easier financing can help women grow at scale. If implemented well, it may strengthen exports and long-term economic stability.
