Expanded SME Financing To Boost Jobs, Investment: Iftikhar Malik
LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 23rd Aug, 2026) SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik said on Sunday that prudent economic policies had started yielding positive results, with lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) crossing the Rs.1 trillion mark for the first time during FY2026, registering 37 percent growth over the preceding period.
In a statement here, he said the significant expansion in SME financing was a positive development for the national economy, as SMEs remained a major source of employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic activity across the country.
He said increased credit availability reflected growing confidence of financial institutions in the SME sector and would enable businesses to expand operations, modernize production facilities, improve productivity, and create new employment opportunities.
Iftikhar Ali Malik urged financial institutions to further streamline lending procedures and introduce flexible financing products tailored to the needs of small businesses, start-ups, and emerging entrepreneurs. He also noted that collateral requirements should be rationalized to enable viable enterprises with limited assets to access formal credit.
According to him, enhanced SME financing could also contribute significantly to broadening the country’s tax base by bringing more businesses into the documented economy. Greater access to institutional credit would encourage entrepreneurs to maintain proper accounts and adopt modern digital payment and accounting systems.
