Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has set a target of increasing agricultural financing to Rs 1.5 trillion by June 2027, aiming to expand access to institutional credit for 4.5 million farmers, particularly small landholders, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural sector, enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined the government's financing priorities during a high-level meeting with the heads of 10 major commercial banks in Islamabad, where progress on agricultural loans, the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar housing programme and financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was reviewed.
According to figures presented during the meeting, agricultural lending had reached Rs 1.352 trillion by the end of September 2026, benefiting approximately 3.45 million people across the country.
The government now intends to increase agricultural financing to Rs 1.5 trillion and expand the number of beneficiaries to 4.5 million by June 2027, providing additional financial support to farmers seeking to improve agricultural production and invest in modern farming methods.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that agriculture remained a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s economy and that improving farmers’ access to affordable financing was essential for enhancing crop yields, strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring national food security.
He directed commercial banks to prioritise small farmers, who often face difficulties obtaining formal credit due to limited financial resources and restricted access to banking facilities.
The prime minister stressed that major financial institutions should actively participate in extending agricultural loans to smaller landholders, enabling them to purchase essential farming inputs, adopt modern agricultural technologies and improve productivity.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar housing programme, which aims to expand access to housing finance and facilitate affordable homeownership.
Officials informed the meeting that housing loans worth Rs 426 billion had been approved under the programme, while Rs 76 billion had so far been disbursed to beneficiaries.
For the fiscal year 2026-27, the government has established a financing target of Rs 700 billion to support the construction and delivery of approximately 125,000 residential units.
Expressing concern over the difference between approved and disbursed housing loans, the prime minister directed banks to accelerate the release of approved financing so that eligible applicants could receive funds without unnecessary delays.
The meeting was further informed that consultations were underway to develop a financing framework that would improve developers’ access to institutional credit and support housing sector development.
Progress in SME financing was also discussed, with officials reporting that approximately 350,862 business owners had received loans amounting to Rs 1.137 trillion.
The government has set a target of increasing SME financing to Rs 1.5 trillion by June 2027, while expanding the number of beneficiary entrepreneurs to 565,000.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described SMEs as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, highlighting their importance in employment generation, industrial development and overall economic activity.
He stressed that improved access to financing would enable small businesses to expand operations, increase production and contribute more effectively to national economic growth.
The prime minister appreciated the banking sector’s efforts to increase lending in agriculture, housing and SMEs, while urging financial institutions to further strengthen their cooperation with the government in achieving the financing targets.
Representatives of the participating commercial banks expressed confidence in the government's economic policies and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting financing initiatives in priority sectors.
The government's expanded lending targets are intended to improve financial inclusion, promote investment, strengthen agricultural productivity and create additional employment opportunities across Pakistan.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has announced plans to transform Islamabad into Pakistan’s first plastic free city as part of a major environmental initiative aimed at reducing plastic pollution, promoting sustainable practices and improving the cleanliness and overall appearance of the federal capital.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced the initiative during a meeting with a delegation representing the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Traders Association, where measures to discourage plastic use and encourage environmentally friendly alternatives were discussed.
Speaking during the meeting, the minister emphasised the importance of collective efforts to address the growing environmental challenges associated with plastic waste, particularly the widespread use of disposable plastic bags in commercial markets and residential areas.
He urged Islamabad’s residents, traders and business owners to gradually abandon conventional plastic bags and adopt reusable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to help reduce pollution and protect the city's environment.
Talal Chaudhry said the success of the “Plastic-Free Islamabad” campaign would depend largely on active public participation, constructive recommendations from the business community and close cooperation between relevant stakeholders.
The minister highlighted the important role of traders and commercial establishments in encouraging consumers to adopt environmentally responsible shopping habits. Their participation is expected to help promote alternatives to conventional plastic bags across the capital's commercial centres.
During the meeting, representatives of the Traders Association assured the minister of their full support for the government's environmental initiative and expressed their willingness to cooperate in efforts to reduce plastic consumption.
The proposed campaign is intended to address environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, which can contribute to pollution, obstruct drainage systems and adversely affect urban cleanliness when improperly discarded.
Reducing reliance on disposable plastic products could also encourage the use of reusable shopping bags and other sustainable materials, helping businesses and consumers gradually adopt more environmentally responsible practices.
Although the government has outlined its ambition to make Islamabad Pakistan's first plastic-free city, a detailed implementation schedule, enforcement mechanism and specific regulatory measures have yet to be announced.
The initiative represents a proposed step towards sustainable urban development, with its eventual success depending on effective implementation, business cooperation and sustained public awareness.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to complete the Multan Muzaffargarh Mianwali highway within two months and prepare a feasibility study for the proposed 123 kilometre Mansehra Naran model highway.

The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister to review progress on ongoing national highway projects, proposed road networks and infrastructure development initiatives across Pakistan.

Officials briefed the meeting on various aspects of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad-Chilas highway project, including its development prospects and potential contribution to regional connectivity.

Aleem Khan said the proposed three lane Mansehra Naran project could play an important role in promoting tourism while strengthening trade and transportation links with China.

The meeting also decided to proceed with international tendering for the proposed Guru Nanak Expressway, with the minister calling for foreign investment to support the project.

He said the expressway would hold considerable historical and religious significance for the Sikh community and announced plans to invite Sikh investors from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States to participate in the initiative.

Officials also reviewed construction and development activities on different sections of the Grand Trunk (GT) Road between Rawalpindi and Peshawar.

The minister directed the NHA to accelerate construction of the Multan Muzaffargarh Mianwali highway and ensure completion within the stipulated two month period.

He emphasised that all new and under construction highways must incorporate comprehensive road safety measures, making it clear that public safety should remain the foremost priority.

The meeting also decided to install safety barriers as part of the expansion of the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad section of the M 4 Motorway.

Aleem Khan instructed the authority to establish rest areas and washroom facilities on both sides of new highways to improve convenience for motorists and other travellers.

He further directed that green belts, landscaping and horticulture should become mandatory components of new highways and motorway development projects.

The minister said national road infrastructure should not only improve transportation and connectivity but also provide safe, environmentally friendly and visually appealing travel facilities.

Federal Secretary for Communications, NHA Chairman and senior officials from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the meeting and briefed the minister on ongoing infrastructure projects.

Aleem Khan reiterated his instructions to accelerate all ongoing development schemes while ensuring their timely completion and compliance with road safety standards.