Faisalabad: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been urged to introduce long-term, collateral-free loans at a 3% interest rate to support women entrepreneurs, as claimed by a news article on November 25.
According to the details, the demand was made by the All Pakistan Bedsheet and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) Central Chairman Imran Mehmood Sheikh, during an SBP awareness session marking World Women Entrepreneurship Day.
Chairman Sheikh emphasised the importance of engaging women as active contributors to national development rather than passive members of society. Highlighting the challenges Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) faced, he noted that APBUMA represents 600 members, 350 of whom are based in Faisalabad, many struggling under high mark-ups and inflation threatening their financial stability.
While acknowledging SBP’s efforts to provide subsidised loans to women entrepreneurs, Chairman Sheikh argued that these initiatives are insufficient to meet the sector’s needs. He called for revising policies to address better the realities faced by women-led SMEs, ensuring their sustainable growth and economic participation.
He further emphasised the need for the government to align export policies with ground realities and dispel exporters’ concerns. He added that Enhancing commercial banks’ efficiency is critical to ensuring robust financial support for exporters and entrepreneurs alike.
As a graduate in English Literature, Zohaib believes that words are not just a mere figment of imagination. It takes wisdom to be good at them. Following this reason, he is pursuing his career as Public Relations and Content Specialist at Zameen.com.
