### Empowering Women in Pakistan: A Landmark $350 Million Loan from ADB The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a significant loan of **$350 million** to Pakistan aimed at enhancing women's financial inclusion and empowering female entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of the "Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Programme (Subprogram-II)" and builds upon previous reforms established in the first phase of the program. The loan consists of **$300 million** allocated as a policy-based loan and **$50 million** designated for financial intermediary loans. The agreement was signed on June 25, 2025, by representatives from both the Government of Pakistan and ADB, marking a pivotal step towards fostering economic opportunities for women in the country [https://www.geo.tv/latest/610848-adb-announces-350m-loan-for-pakistan-to-boost-womens-role-in-economy][https://propakistani.pk/2025/06/25/pakistan-secures-350-million-adb-loan-to-boost-womens-financial-inclusion]. ### Structure of the Loan Agreement and Its Objectives 1. **Loan Agreement Details**: - The total financing package is **$350 million**. - It includes **$300 million** as a policy-based loan and **$50 million** as a financial intermediary loan [https://www.nation.com.pk/25-Jun-2025/pakistan-adb-sign-dollar-350m-agreement-to-advance-women-s-financial-inclusion]. 2. **Program Goals**: - Improve women's access to finance. - Expand entrepreneurship opportunities for women. - Promote inclusive workplaces within the financial sector [https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/pakistan-signs-usd-350-million-loan-agreement-with-adb-23578261]. 3. **Key Reform Areas**: - Establishing a supportive policy and regulatory environment for women's financial inclusion. - Increasing the supply of finance specifically targeted at women. - Strengthening women's entrepreneurship capabilities [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3481072-empowering-women-a-boost-from-adb-for-pakistans-economic-growth]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Financial Impact**: - The program aims to significantly enhance women's participation in the economy, which is expected to lead to increased job creation and economic growth. - The initiative builds on earlier policy reforms, indicating a structured approach to women's financial empowerment [https://orissadiary.com/adb-announces-350-million-for-pakistan-to-boost-the-role-of-women-in-the-economy]. - **Historical Context**: - This loan follows the first phase of the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Programme, which laid the groundwork for these reforms [https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/06/25/pakistan-adb-sign-350-million-loan-for-womens-financial-empowerment]. ### Conclusion: A Step Towards Economic Inclusion In summary, the **$350 million loan** from the ADB represents a crucial investment in Pakistan's efforts to empower women economically. The structured approach of the Women Inclusive Finance Sector Development Programme aims to create a more inclusive economy by enhancing women's access to finance and entrepreneurship opportunities. 1. **Significant Financial Commitment**: The loan is a landmark agreement that underscores the commitment of both the Government of Pakistan and ADB to women's economic empowerment. 2. **Focused Reform Areas**: The program targets key areas that will facilitate women's financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. 3. **Long-term Economic Benefits**: By fostering an inclusive economic environment, the initiative is expected to contribute to sustainable development and job creation for women in Pakistan [https://24newshd.tv/24-Jun-2025/pakistan-adb-sign-women-inclusive-finance-sector-programme][https://www.techjuice.pk/pakistan-adb-partner-on-rs14-billion-women-loan-facility/amp].