In a major push to accelerate female-led economic growth, Pakistan is set to launch its first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy, a groundbreaking initiative revealed Wednesday that coincides with projections for economic facilitation to surpass $40 billion this year.
The significant announcement was made by Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, during a ceremony in the capital. The event, held to mark Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, was jointly organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and was attended by representatives from more than 21 Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Addressing the ceremony, Khan praised the resilience and innovation of the nation’s female entrepreneurs. He stated that they ‘did not wait for opportunities – they created them,’ effectively turning challenges into engines of economic progress. The SAPM noted that contemporary women are not seeking assistance but equitable opportunities, acknowledging they are already ‘driving Pakistan’s economic engine forward.’
He further emphasized that Pakistani women are emerging as business leaders from local communities to international markets. Khan said the government’s objective is now to move beyond simple facilitation and place women in leadership positions within the economic ecosystem.
Highlighting the broader economic outlook, the SAPM pointed out that many small enterprises in the country have grown into industries without formal financial support. He projected that economic facilitation measures this year would exceed $40 billion, a figure that could increase significantly if Pakistan secures new trade openings in an additional 25 countries.
Khan also disclosed the government’s new Export Facilitation Policy, which is structured to support SMEs and women-led businesses in accessing global markets. He remarked that enhanced digital connectivity is enabling the nation’s transition toward a modern economic model and that the Economic Implementation Cell (EIC) had devised several successful strategies welcomed by the Prime Minister.
The SAPM stressed that women’s entrepreneurship is at the forefront of Pakistan’s industrial transformation and that no country can achieve its full potential without the progress of its women. He expressed confidence that Pakistan is becoming a place where every woman will have the opportunity to turn her ideas into enterprise.
During the event, SMEDA and FPCCI reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women-led businesses through targeted policymaking, expanded market access, and digital enablement. SMEDA CEO Nadia underscored the government’s dedication to empowering women through SME support, financing, and skills development.
The event was attended by prominent business leaders including FPCCI Vice President Qurat-ul-Ain, Tariq Jadoon, Chairman Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik, and Chairman Coordination and President Hafizabad Chamber Malik Sohail Hussain.