MUZAFFARABAD, (Parliament Times) : In a joint initiative to promote women’s entrepreneurship, the State Bank of Pakistan organized a business awareness session in Muzaffarabad, in collaboration with the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Azad Kashmir and the Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (AJK TEVTA). The event brought together businesswomen and female startup founders from across Muzaffarabad Division to guide them on loan opportunities and business establishment procedures.
During the session, Mr. Mohsin Parvaiz Banday, Director and Faculty Member at the University of AJK, briefed participants on business planning, available loan schemes, and the standard procedures for acquiring business financing.
Later, Mr. Farrukh Awan, Regional Head (Agri-Business) of the National Bank of Pakistan, explained various banking policies, products, and financial schemes designed to empower women entrepreneurs. He emphasized that women can effectively benefit from these programs to start or strengthen their own businesses.
A formal ceremony followed, where Mr. Khaliq Abbasi, Director Small Industries Corporation, Government of AJK, shared insights on the Youth Business Loan Scheme and its impact on promoting self-employment. Dr. Sidra Azad, Director Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry AJK, briefed attendees on the Chamber’s initiatives to support women in business establishment and marketing, urging all women entrepreneurs to obtain Chamber membership to ensure better coordination, protection, and participation in future expos and conferences.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Riaz, Assistant Chief Manager of the State Bank of Pakistan, elaborated on State Bank’s efforts and partnerships with financial institutions to increase women’s inclusion in business. He assured that the State Bank remains fully committed to encouraging women entrepreneurs and will continue expanding such programs across AJK.
In his remarks, Secretary/Chief Operating Officer AJK TEVTA Dr. Masood Ahmed Bukhari, along with Deputy Director Operations Mr. Adil Rasheed, expressed gratitude to the State Bank, Women Chamber of Commerce and all partner organizations for their collaborative efforts. He reaffirmed AJK TEVTA’s commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation to empower women economically through skill development and entrepreneurship.
The event concluded with Dr. Raja Zahid Khan, Secretary of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry AJK, extending appreciation to all participating institutions including the State Bank of Pakistan, TEVTA, Small Industries Corporation and businesswomen for making the program a success
