Islamabad, June 24, 2025 — In a significant stride towards inclusive economic development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Pakistan have signed a landmark $350 million loan agreement aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment in the country.
The financing will support the “Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program (Subprogram-II),” a major initiative to enhance women’s participation in Pakistan’s financial and entrepreneurial landscape.
The agreement was formalized in Islamabad during an official ceremony attended by senior representatives of ADB and the Government of Pakistan. The Loan Agreement was signed by Ms. Sabina Qureshi, Additional Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, and Mr. Dinesh Raj Shiwakoti, Head of ADB’s Project Administration Unit. Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan signed the Project Agreement for the Financial Intermediary Loan (FIL), reflecting the central bank’s commitment to inclusive finance.
This collaboration marks another milestone in ADB’s partnership with Pakistan, reaffirming shared goals of gender equality, financial inclusion, and sustainable development. Officials noted that the program reflects the Government of Pakistan’s strong dedication to advancing opportunities for women through access to finance, support for entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Subprogram-II builds upon policy reforms introduced under the first phase of the initiative. It focuses on four core areas: establishing a supportive regulatory framework for women’s financial inclusion, increasing the availability of credit and financial services for women, enhancing entrepreneurial skills among women, and fostering inclusive workplaces in the financial sector.
The total financing package of $350 million consists of a $300 million Policy-Based Loan and a $50 million Financial Intermediary Loan. This funding will play a crucial role in Pakistan’s broader efforts to achieve equitable and sustainable economic progress, especially by bridging the gender gap in economic participation.
ADB officials praised Pakistan’s proactive approach to empowering women, stating that the program would serve as a model for inclusive development across the region. With continued collaboration, both ADB and Pakistan aim to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries but active drivers of the country’s economic future.