Karachi: Pakistan has introduced its first-ever digital loan scheme for women entrepreneurs, marking a significant step toward expanding financial inclusion for female-led businesses.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the financing initiative under the “Khud Mukhtar Khatoon Programme,” aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operated by women.
Under the scheme, eligible women entrepreneurs will be able to access financing ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1.5 million based on their credit assessment and business profile. The initiative is designed to simplify access to credit through a fully digital process, reducing traditional banking hurdles faced by women in business.
Officials said the programme represents Pakistan’s first digital loan product specifically structured for women-led enterprises. It is expected to help small business owners expand operations, improve cash flow, and invest in growth opportunities without lengthy manual approval procedures.
The SECP noted that the initiative focuses on empowering women who manage or own micro, small and medium-sized businesses by providing them with faster and more transparent access to financing. The digital system will assess creditworthiness using automated evaluation tools, allowing quicker loan approvals.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship in Pakistan, particularly among women who often face challenges in securing formal financial support. By digitising the lending process, the programme aims to improve accessibility and reduce dependency on informal borrowing channels.
Experts say such initiatives could play a key role in boosting women’s participation in the formal economy, especially in sectors such as retail, services, handicrafts and small-scale manufacturing, where female entrepreneurs are increasingly active.
The government and regulatory bodies are expected to introduce further financial inclusion measures in the coming months to support startup growth and expand access to credit across underserved segments of the population.
The programme is being seen as a step toward modernising Pakistan’s financial ecosystem while encouraging greater economic participation by women entrepreneurs nationwide.