Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Access to Finance Steering Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the swift implementation of the Prime Minister’s Access to Finance Plan for 2026-2028. This meeting concentrated on strategies to improve affordable financial access for sectors such as SMEs, agriculture, IT, exports, renewable energy, and housing.

According to Press Information Department, the Committee reviewed a detailed presentation on the governance structure, expected outcomes, and workstreams designed to expand financial access, enhance inclusion, and provide affordable credit to priority sectors. Updates were provided on the SME Finance Sub-Committee and progress on flagship financing initiatives like Zarkhez-e (Asaan Zarai Qarza), the Apna Ghar Scheme, and the PAVE initiative, which focuses on affordable E-Bikes and E-Rickshaws.

The Committee discussed a proposed three-tier governance framework with regular updates to the Prime Minister, strategic oversight, and sectoral sub-committees. A reporting framework was also considered to improve accountability and monitor progress. The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of a progress monitoring dashboard and the Committee’s role in policy coordination and decision-making.

The meeting addressed the Government’s flagship financing programs, with updates on application trends and operational challenges. Discussions on SME finance aimed at increasing credit and borrowers were held, along with reform initiatives such as SME credit scoring and an Open Banking Framework.

The Finance Minister stated that the Plan’s success relies on disciplined execution and collaboration. He highlighted the Steering Committee’s role in maintaining reform momentum and achieving the Plan’s goals. The meeting included senior officials from the Finance Division, State Bank of Pakistan, and SECP.