Missing lending targets: PM directs strict action against banks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the finance ministry to act firmly against banks that miss lending goals for agriculture, small businesses and housing, Business Recorder reported. At a meeting on Monday, he also urged banks to avoid holding up loans for farmers, SMEs and applicants to the ApnaGhar housing scheme, while praising institutions that were meeting financing needs.

Briefing figures showed agricultural credit at Rs1,329 billion for about 3.5 million beneficiaries, while SME loans totalled Rs1,148 billion across 342,458 businesses. By October 23, 2026, ApnaGhar approvals stood at Rs511 billion for 86,899 applications, with Rs91 billion paid out to 15,584 applicants; the government aims to raise agriculture and SME lending to Rs1,500 billion each by the end of financial year 2027. The SBP also outlined risk-sharing, regulatory changes and digital services, including its SMEConnect portal.