Islamabad Capital Territory

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Finance Ministry to take action against banks that are slow to provide financing to farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and applicants under the Apna Ghar housing scheme.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on access to credit for priority sectors, Shehbaz said expanding financing for agriculture, SMEs and housing was a government priority. He said stronger lending could support economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people. The prime minister praised banks that had performed well in facilitating loans through government initiatives, but said financial institutions should extend comparable cooperation to priority sectors.

Shehbaz Sharif said SMEs could contribute to economic growth, exports and job creation, while agriculture remained central to the national economy. He said the government was seeking to increase exports by adding value to agricultural commodities. He also said the Apna Ghar scheme could support housing and construction and generate activity in industries connected to the sector. Banks, he added, had an important role in financing private-sector development.

The prime minister directed the finance minister to prepare a comprehensive action plan to resolve financing problems faced by stakeholders in the SME, agriculture and housing sectors. He also instructed the SBP and the Federal Board of Revenue to work together on tax issues affecting SMEs and exporters, and to develop a risk-coverage strategy to facilitate lending to small businesses.

The Estate Office has issued notices to 7,973 federal employees who are reported to have fallen behind on rent for government residences, with allotment cancellations planned for those who fail to clear their outstanding dues.

According to a private television report citing available documents, Karachi has the largest number of defaulters, at 5,317. Islamabad follows with 2,169 employees, while Lahore has 404, Peshawar 57 and Quetta 26. The figures place Karachi at about 66.7% of the reported national total. The report’s stated share of 74.26% does not match the city figures and overall total it provides.

Sources said the Estate Office has issued notices as part of efforts to recover unpaid rent. Employees who do not pay their dues may lose their government-house allotments under the proposed action.

The World Bank Group’s current portfolio in Pakistan comprises 47 operations, including one regional project, with total commitments of approximately US$16.1 billion. The Bank says it has provided about US$52 billion in assistance to Pakistan since the country joined the institution in 1950.

The figures were included in the World Bank Group’s October 2026 Pakistan Development Update, which said faster structural reforms could help Pakistan achieve sustained growth and raise incomes by 2050. The report also identified private investment as important to the country’s next phase of growth.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private-sector investment arm, has invested and mobilised approximately US$22 billion in Pakistan since 1959. Its projects have supported housing and infrastructure, alongside renewable energy, financial inclusion, agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare and trade.

As of September 30, 2026, IFC’s committed portfolio in Pakistan stood at US$1.6 billion across 55 projects. This figure is separate from the World Bank’s US$16.1 billion portfolio commitment.