DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In an effort to promote economic stability and increase female workforce participation, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced interest-free loans for unemployed women to initiate their own large-scale businesses.
The Deputy Chief Manager of the SBP in Dera Ismail Khan, Fazal Muqeem, unveiled this initiative during his address at a seminar titled ‘Women bankability and banking on equality,’ held at the Government Polytechnic Institute for Women in Dera Ismail Khan.
Muqeem highlighted that women, through launching their businesses, will have the means to support their families, particularly in light of the current wave of inflation affecting all segments of society. He emphasized that managing day-to-day expenses becomes challenging for those with limited income resources, especially the economically disadvantaged.
Given the limited employment opportunities in the country, Muqeem emphasized that starting one’s own business represents a viable solution to these economic challenges. He further noted that the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the central bank, has implemented various policies to empower unemployed women and transform them into productive citizens.
The government offers interest-free loans of up to Rs0.5 million to unemployed women and opens bank accounts for them on equal terms with men.
During the seminar, Assistant Director Muhammad Zubair stressed the importance of embracing digital mobile apps in today’s era and encouraged citizens to become income tax filers, which can help reduce their tax burdens.
Empowering Future Female Leaders
The Principal of GPI for Women, Sara Khan, expressed gratitude to SBP representatives for their participation in the seminar. She emphasized that their institution is working to equip students with skills that enable them to become self-sufficient and valuable members of society. She also anticipated that many women would benefit from the SBP’s policy in the future, and she hoped that similar informative seminars would be organized to assist eligible women in Dera Ismail Khan.
The event saw the presence of GPI for Women Principal Sarah Khan, SBP Dera Ismail Khan Assistant Chief Manager Muhammad Amir Ejaz, Assistant Director Muhammad Zubair, Rizwanullah Shah, GPI (women) Placement Officer Zafar Awan, along with numerous teachers and female students.
