ISLAMABAD:<\/strong> Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of Finance to take a firm stance against banks that delay loan disbursements to customers, emphasizing the need to improve access to financing across key economic sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by the prime minister to assess measures aimed at facilitating credit availability for priority sectors of the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the important role of financial institutions in supporting private-sector growth. He stressed that banks must ensure efficient and timely access to financing to encourage business activity and strengthen the country’s economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister said the government’s Apna Ghar housing scheme<\/strong> would help stimulate economic activity in the housing and construction sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He noted that the initiative could also benefit several industries associated with construction, creating opportunities for business expansion and economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that banks showing unnecessary delays in processing and providing loans should not receive preferential treatment or leniency from the relevant financial authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlighting the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the prime minister said these businesses have considerable potential to contribute to Pakistan’s economic progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He emphasized that improved access to financial resources would help strengthen the private sector and enable businesses to expand their operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister also underlined the importance of an effective banking system in supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discussing the agricultural sector, PM Shehbaz Sharif described agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said the government was working to increase export earnings by promoting value addition in agricultural products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the prime minister, enhancing the value of locally produced agricultural commodities could help improve Pakistan’s export performance and support broader economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister reaffirmed that creating employment opportunities for young people remains one of the government’s foremost priorities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He emphasized the need to strengthen economic sectors capable of generating jobs, particularly agriculture, construction and small and medium-sized businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The meeting focused on improving access to credit for priority sectors and ensuring that financial institutions play a more effective role in supporting economic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister’s directives reflect the government’s stated focus on expanding business opportunities, strengthening agricultural exports and improving employment prospects for Pakistan’s youth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of Finance to take a 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Scheme Expected to Boost Construction Industry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Small Businesses Hold Significant Economic Potential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Government Focuses on Agricultural Exports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Youth Employment Remains a Top Government Priority<\/h3>\n\n\n\n