SME financing doublesto Rs1.1tr

SME financing in Pakistan reached about Rs1,110 billion in June 2026, up from Rs491 billion two years earlier, The Express Tribune reported, citing State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad. The number of borrowers increased to 325,000 from 177,000 over the same period, while financing had stood at Rs691 billion in June 2025.

Ahmad said the collateral-free loan ceiling had risen to Rs50 million from Rs10 million, and turnover limits for businesses eligible as small or medium enterprises had also been expanded. The SBP has simplified loan applications to one page, while its online SME Connect Portal is scheduled to launch on November 1, 2026; the Export Refinance Scheme ceiling was also increased to Rs1.5 trillion, including Rs300 billion for SME exporters.

The report also said Islamic banks provide 15.9% of SME financing, compared with their 39.1% share of total financing. LCCI officials called for greater SME access and proposed a 5.9% minimum financing target for Islamic banks, which they said could add Rs204 billion.