Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders banks to accelerate SME lending

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed commercial banks to speed up lending to small and medium enterprises, farmers, and homebuyers on Monday, November 2, 2026. The Daily Times, Business Recorder, and Geo News all reported that Sharif made the remarks while chairing a review meeting on bank credit facilitation for priority sectors. According to 24 News HD, the prime minister also ordered action against financial institutions that delay loan disbursements to these key borrowers. [1][3][4][6]

Sharif said economic improvement and youth employment depend on developing agriculture, housing, and small businesses. Daily Times reported that Sharif emphasized credit access as a primary government goal. Sabahnews.net further reported that the prime minister highlighted the potential of small and medium enterprises to increase economic growth, expand national exports, and create new jobs. [1][5]

The prime minister also instructed official regulatory agencies to remove administrative obstacles hindering commercial business finance. According to The Express Tribune, Sharif directed the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Board of Revenue to resolve tax issues facing small enterprises and exporters. [2]

Sharif has served as the prime minister of Pakistan since 2024, having previously held the office from 2022 to 2023. Small and medium enterprises are defined internationally as businesses whose employee headcount and overall revenues remain below specific government thresholds. [7][8]