ZTBL Under Pressure as Govt Eyes Loan Access Boost

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for urgent reforms in Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), stressing the need to provide easy and low-interest loans to small and medium-scale farmers.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on agriculture financing and institutional reforms, the prime minister said that boosting agricultural productivity is not possible without supporting small-scale farmers, who often struggle to access credit.

He noted that farmers with limited land deserve respect and assistance, and that the current loan system does not adequately serve their needs. Improving credit access, he added, remains one of the government’s top priorities.

To ensure the timely rollout of reforms, Shehbaz Sharif announced he would personally monitor ZTBL’s progress every three weeks.

The meeting also included a set of proposals aimed at strengthening ZTBL’s services and expanding its reach, especially among underprivileged farming communities.

Officials highlighted the potential role of private banks in the agriculture sector. In response, the prime minister urged that these financial institutions be encouraged to offer soft-term loans to reduce pressure on ZTBL and create more options for farmers.

He also called for a coordinated approach involving public banks, private lenders, and government institutions to streamline the loan process and make credit more accessible to small farmers.