Private Sector Borrowing Reaches Four-Year High in FY2025-26, Says Khurram Shehzad

Islamabad:Adviser to the Finance Minister **Khurram Shehzad** has said that lending to Pakistan’s private sector reached **Rs11.38 trillion** during the fiscal year **2025-26**, marking the highest level in the past four years.

According to Shehzad, private sector borrowing increased by nearly **15 percent** compared with the previous fiscal year, reflecting stronger access to financing for businesses.

He said the increased financial support is helping boost business activity and productive sectors of the economy. Around **89 percent** of the new loans were extended to key sectors, including **manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and agriculture**.

Shehzad noted that the manufacturing sector alone received **Rs657 billion** in new financing, describing it as a sign of expanding industrial activity and enhanced production capacity.

He added that increased lending to the trade and agriculture sectors has supported higher production, stronger business activity, and greater private investment. According to the finance adviser, the rise in private sector credit reflects improving business confidence and continued progress toward economic stability.