A Punjab-backed SME financing initiative is gaining national attention as officials push to expand the successful model across provinces.

The “Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme,” praised by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, is being seen as a strong framework to improve access to credit for small businesses. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Karachi, he described SMEs as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

He urged financial institutions and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to accelerate efforts in providing easier loans to entrepreneurs.

Officials revealed that around Rs100 billion in loans were disbursed over the past year, benefiting more than 110,000 individuals and business owners under various schemes. This reflects growing momentum in SME financing across the country.

Haroon Akhtar also stressed targeted programs for underdeveloped regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to ensure balanced economic growth.

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A working group under SMEDA has been proposed to improve coordination with banks and expand training for small business owners. Meanwhile, international interest from countries such as Philippines and Bangladesh highlights Pakistan’s progress in financial inclusion.

Experts believe SME-focused financing can drive entrepreneurship, create jobs, and strengthen the economy, especially with digitized and low-collateral lending systems.