The government plans to provide Rs. 700 billion in housing finance for 125,000 residential units this year under the Apna Ghar scheme.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to assess lending for housing, agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Officials presented data on lending by the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and First Women Bank, along with measures aimed at improving access to finance for the three sectors.

The meeting was informed that the government is working to make SME financing more accessible, support investment in modern technology and help businesses become more competitive in international markets.

Officials also discussed joint risk-sharing mechanisms for loans, supply chain financing and improved financial data sharing.

The government is promoting digital lending systems so customers can apply for small loans without physically visiting bank branches.

An SME portal is also expected to become operational by the end of November to facilitate financing for small and medium businesses.

The meeting was informed that NBP’s housing finance approval rate currently stands at 76 percent.