Independent Report
Lahore – October 18, 2025
Prime Minister’s Vision Extends Financial Inclusion to Micro Businesses: Haroon Akhtar Khan
SMEDA and MMBL Sign Landmark MoU to Promote Micro-Financing Across Pakistan
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said that, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, access to government financial schemes and development services has, for the first time, been extended to micro-level enterprises in Pakistan.
He expressed these views while addressing the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL), held at SMEDA’s Head Office in Lahore.
The MoU was formally signed by SMEDA CEO Socrat Aman Rana and MMBL President and CEO Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry, in the presence of Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum.
> “Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s dynamic leadership, Pakistan is moving towards building a strong, inclusive, and growth-oriented SME sector,” said Haroon Akhtar Khan. “Our government aims to create a business environment where every micro, small, and medium enterprise has equal opportunities to grow, compete, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic future.”
He noted that despite their potential, MSMEs face persistent challenges—chief among them financial literacy and limited access to finance. The newly signed MoU, he said, represents “a vital step” toward addressing these barriers by enabling both organizations to jointly offer micro-loans and business development services to enterprises operating in rural and semi-urban areas of Pakistan.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s emphasis on women’s empowerment, Haroon Akhtar Khan said a separate policy has been designed to promote women entrepreneurship and ensure their active participation in the MSME sector.
He added that the government is also working to formalize informal-sector enterprises so they can benefit from official support programs and financial incentives. “We want to bring every hardworking entrepreneur into the mainstream economy,” he emphasized, congratulating both SMEDA and MMBL for their collaborative efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary MOIP Saif Anjum stated:
> “Under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister and SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan, Pakistan is advancing with renewed determination to strengthen its SME sector.”
He said the partnership will enable SMEDA to lead financial literacy and business capacity-building programs, promote awareness of financing opportunities, and expand outreach for MMBL’s innovative products.
Through the MoU, Mobilink Microfinance Bank will collaborate with SMEDA to connect MSMEs with growth opportunities by sharing lending priorities, referring clients for training, and supporting advisory programs to boost entrepreneurship.
Earlier, CEO SMEDA Socrat Aman Rana shared insights on the national microfinance landscape, revealing that the total outstanding microfinance portfolio now exceeds Rs. 650 billion, with Microfinance Banks contributing 71.3% and female borrowers accounting for 34.8%. He said these numbers highlight both the sector’s growth and its continuing challenges in achieving inclusive development.
He noted that SMEDA, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision and under the guidance of the SAPM and Secretary MOIP, has already signed MoUs with the Pakistan Microfinance Network and Akhuwat Foundation to expand access to finance.
> “This partnership between SMEDA and MMBL will further empower Pakistan’s micro and small enterprises by enhancing bankability, financial literacy, and access to credit,” he said. “Together, we aim to promote data-driven collaboration and shape more effective SME policies for the future.”
Speaking on the occasion, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, said:
> “Empowering SMEs is vital to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, and microfinance plays a pivotal role in that empowerment. Through this partnership, we’re combining training, digital finance, and access to credit to build a stronger ecosystem that enables small businesses and drives sustainable growth.”
