Quetta Chamber Calls on State Bank to Provide Easy Loans to Business Community and Women, Criticizes Red Zone Label

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily):** Haji Muhammad Ayub Maryani, President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged the State Bank of Pakistan to ensure the provision of easy loans for small and medium enterprises, particularly for women entrepreneurs, in Balochistan. Speaking at a Financial Linkages Forum for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, he criticized the unofficial designation of the province as a “Red Zone,” calling it unfair and a barrier to economic growth.

Maryani emphasized that the Chamber serves as a bridge between national and provincial institutions and the business community and stressed the importance of practical measures over mere rhetoric. He noted that despite a zero default rate in Balochistan, banks impose stringent conditions that discourage lending to local businesses, particularly women-led enterprises.

Highlighting the potential of Balochistan’s fertile land, Maryani urged women to actively engage in business and assured that the Chamber would facilitate their access to national and international markets. He also confirmed ongoing discussions with the Federal Minister for Commerce, FBR Chairman, and State Bank officials to address these challenges.

Other participants, including Agha Gul Khalji, pledged continued efforts to persuade the State Bank to provide interest-free loans under easier terms to support Balochistan’s business community, especially women entrepreneurs. The forum reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to acting as a bridge between the government and business sectors to foster economic development in the province.