PM warns banks over slow loans

No concessions for delaying priority-sector lending

ISLAMABAD:

The prime minister directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Ministry of Finance on Monday not to extend concessions to banks failing to expedite lending to farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and consumers under the Apna Ghar housing scheme.

He was chairing a review meeting on facilitation of credit provision to priority sectors.

"Banks that are performing well in facilitating credit provision to agriculture, housing and small and medium enterprises under government initiatives are commendable," the premier said.

"The State Bank and the Ministry of Finance should not give concessions to banks that are slow in providing loans to farmers, small and medium enterprises and consumers under the Prime Minister's Apna Ghar scheme, a part of government initiatives," he added.

The prime minister emphasised that improvement in the economy and employment provision to youth through development of small and medium enterprises, housing and agriculture sectors was the top priority of the government.

"Banks are of key importance for the development of the private sector. Banks should extend cooperation in providing loans to priority sectors in the same way as the government and its agencies cooperate with banks," he said.

"Small and medium enterprises have great potential to grow the economy, promote exports and create employment opportunities. The agriculture sector is the backbone of the country's economy and efforts are being made to increase exports through value addition of agricultural commodities," he added.

"Apna Ghar scheme will promote many industries related to the housing and construction sector."

The premier directed the finance minister to resolve issues related to financing of stakeholders of the SME sector, agriculture and housing sectors and formulate a comprehensive action plan.

He also directed the SBP and the Federal Board of Revenue to jointly resolve tax issues of small and medium enterprises and exporters and formulate a comprehensive risk coverage strategy for easy provision of loans to small and medium enterprises.

The participants of the meeting were informed that the SBP was working on three basic pillars to increase the provision of loans to priority sectors, which include improving regulations, sharing of risks and costs between the government and banks, and promotion of digital facilities.

Jinnah Medical Complex

The prime minister termed the ongoing construction work on Jinnah Medical Complex (JMC) as satisfactory and stressed that targets must be achieved within the stipulated timeframe.

He also directed the authorities concerned that all appointments in the facility should be made purely on merit and in a transparent manner.

The premier expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting to assess the progress on the under-construction JMC, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility being built to international standards, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.