U.S. Diplomat Visits ZTBL, Praises Efforts to Support Small Farmers in Pakistan

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, Ms. Natalie A. Baker, visited the head office of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in Islamabad, where she commended the bank’s initiatives to improve rural financing and support small farmers nationwide. ZTBL President and CEO Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti welcomed Ms. Baker and briefed her on the bank’s operations, strategy, and its seven-decade legacy in agricultural development. Bhatti highlighted that ZTBL operates over 501 branches, with 90 percent located in rural and unbanked areas, serving the farming community across Pakistan. During the visit, Bhatti showcased the bank’s outreach programs, including ZTBL Zarai Baithaks and Mobile Van Services, which bring banking and advisory services directly to remote villages. He explained that these initiatives help small farmers access financial services and adopt modern farming practices. Bhatti also discussed ZTBL’s digital transformation, noting the launch of internet, WhatsApp, and mobile banking services to make loan payments and information access easier for farmers. The bank is also working with agri-service providers to improve farmers’ access to quality inputs and technology. Ms. Baker praised ZTBL’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s agriculture sector and acknowledged the importance of small farmers in ensuring food security. She noted that several U.S. businesses are investing in Pakistan’s agriculture and food sectors and expressed interest in exploring new areas of cooperation. Both sides agreed on the need to address challenges related to food security and climate resilience. Ms. Baker reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts for a stronger, more sustainable agriculture sector. Bhatti welcomed future collaboration to attract investment and boost productivity. The meeting ended with a joint commitment to expand partnerships that benefit Pakistan’s rural communities and promote U.S.–Pakistan cooperation in agribusiness and sustainable farming.