Pakistan Secures $350 Million ADB Loan to Boost Women’s Financial Inclusion

The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed a $350 million loan agreement to support the “Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Program (Subprogram-II).” The State Bank of Pakistan also signed a related Project Agreement for the Financial Intermediary Loan (FIL). The loan package includes a $300 million policy-based loan and a $50 million FIL. It aims to enhance women’s access to finance, support entrepreneurship, and promote inclusive workplaces in the financial sector. The program builds on reforms introduced in Subprogram-I and focuses on improving the policy and regulatory environment, expanding financial access, and strengthening women’s economic participation.