Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs Secure Rs. 29 Billion Under Youth Loan Scheme

More than 104, 000 young women entrepreneurs have secured Rs. 29 billion in financing under the Prime Minister's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, highlighting efforts to expand women's access to formal financing in Pakistan.

Key points

• According to a written reply submitted by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to the National Assembly, 104, 237 women entrepreneurs had received financing under the scheme as of May 31, 2026.
• The Prime Minister's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme was introduced in January 2023 to promote entrepreneurship among young Pakistanis.
• While the gender gap in bank account ownership had narrowed to 29 percent, the finance minister remarked women's financial inclusion had reached 55 percent by December 2025.
• Women and businesses owned by women accounted for 13 percent of total commercial loans and 9 percent of credit extended to the private sector as of March 2026.
• The State Bank of Pakistan has additionally introduced measures to improve women's access to financing, including the Women Inclusive Finance Program.

According to a written reply submitted by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to the National Assembly, 104, 237 women entrepreneurs had received financing under the scheme as of May 31, 2026. The figures were provided in response to a question from MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah regarding women's financial inclusion and the barriers faced by female micro-entrepreneurs.

While the gender gap in bank account ownership had narrowed to 29 percent, the finance minister remarked women's financial inclusion had reached 55 percent by December 2025. Ignite's Incubation Centers Generate 185, 000 Jobs, Rs. 36.3 Billion Revenue.

Women and businesses owned by women accounted for 13 percent of total commercial loans and 9 percent of credit extended to the private sector as of March 2026. When microfinance borrowers are included, their share rose to 18 percent of commercial loans and 11 percent of private sector credit.

For context, the State Bank of Pakistan has additionally introduced measures to improve women's access to financing, including the Women Inclusive Finance Program. Under the Asian Development Bank funded program, participating financial institutions had disbursed more than Rs. 46 billion to 546, 144 women borrowers through credit line facilities by March 2026.

For context, the Prime Minister's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme was introduced in January 2023 to promote entrepreneurship among young Pakistanis. Under the scheme, at least 25 percent of loans are required to be allocated to women entrepreneurs, and financing remains available to eligible women seeking to start or expand their businesses.

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