KARACHI: Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), underscored the pivotal role of the financial sector in propelling Pakistan’s economic growth during his recent address at The Future Summit. He emphasized that the financial sector should be viewed not merely as a gateway to basic banking services, but as a fundamental pillar of economic resilience and empowerment.
Hasnie highlighted the need for greater inclusion across all segments of society to create a more robust and equitable economic framework. He argued that inclusive growth—where every citizen can participate in and benefit from economic progress—lays the foundation for a sustainable economy.
“Integrating all segments of society into the economic system fosters shared prosperity,” Hasnie remarked. “It strengthens local economies, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”
Despite various initiatives, such as branchless banking, aimed at increasing account ownership, nearly half of Pakistan’s population remains unbanked. To address this gap, Hasnie advocated for targeted interventions and bespoke financial solutions tailored to the needs of underserved populations. He called for collaborative efforts among banks, government agencies, and fintech startups to scale up innovative financial solutions for a long-term impact.
“Empowering citizens through financial inclusion transforms them into active economic contributors, which, in turn, strengthens local economies and fuels sustainable growth,” he stated.
Hasnie also stressed the importance of digital technology, particularly mobile banking and e-wallets, in expanding access to financial services. He highlighted NBP’s commitment to leveraging these technologies to reach the unbanked and improve financial accessibility nationwide.
Additionally, Hasnie shared that NBP is actively facilitating access to finance within Pakistan’s agriculture sector, a move aimed at supporting economic growth by empowering rural communities.
With a vision for a more inclusive financial landscape, Hasnie’s remarks at The Future Summit resonate as a call to action for all stakeholders to build a more resilient and equitable economic future for Pakistan.
