Karachi, January 5, 2026 — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered relevant authorities to ensure easier access to loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to strengthen the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and boost national exports.
The directive came during a high-level meeting on the business plan of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), held at the Prime Minister’s Office. A three-year roadmap for SME growth and export promotion was presented to the premier, who praised Special Assistant for Industries & Production, Haroon Akhtar, and the newly elected SMEDA board members for preparing a practical and forward-looking strategy.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that SMEs play a critical role in economic growth, job creation, and export expansion. He instructed banks and financial institutions to facilitate SMEs with easy credit terms to support entrepreneurship and business development nationwide.
The meeting also included a detailed briefing on the challenges faced by SMEs, strategies to integrate them into national and international markets, and measures to increase global competitiveness. Officials highlighted that workshops and training programs have been conducted in six cities to enhance SME capacity and prepare local businesses for global trade.
Special focus was also given to women’s participation in the SME sector, encouraging greater inclusion and empowerment.
Attendees included Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, chief secretaries of all four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with SMEDA board members and officials from relevant institutions.
The Prime Minister’s instructions are expected to accelerate SME growth, enhance export potential, and strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience, while promoting inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship.