In a significant push for agricultural revival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to launch urgent reforms that will simplify access to low-interest loans for small and medium-scale farmers across Pakistan.
Presiding over a top-level meeting on Tuesday, the Prime Minister stressed that farmers must be treated with dignity and fairness and empowered through easier access to affordable credit.
“This is not just economic policy—it’s about restoring the self-respect and financial freedom of our small farmers,” PM Shehbaz said.
The premier directed Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to fast-track internal reforms to become a more farmer-friendly bank. He also urged private banks to participate actively in agriculture-sector lending with soft terms.
📌 Key Highlights:
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ZTBL reforms to be expedited
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Private sector involvement in agri-loans promoted
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Loan process simplification for rural borrowers
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Prime Minister-led reviews every three weeks
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Focus on institutional support for small farmers
Officials from ZTBL presented the bank’s ongoing reform agenda and proposed strategies for improving loan disbursement to small farmers. Discussions also touched on how private banks can contribute to expanding agri-financing.
PM Shehbaz said the government is fully committed to making the agriculture sector more inclusive and productive through reforms, financial facilitation, and respect for the farmers who form the backbone of the economy.
Senior cabinet members and top officials in attendance included Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Rana Tanveer, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, Advisors Haroon Akhtar and Muhammad Ali, and several parliamentarians and special assistants.