QUETTA: The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has called on the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and commercial banks to facilitate easy-term loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Balochistan, criticizing the financial sector for unofficially treating the province as a “red zone.”
Addressing a Financial Linkages Forum for SMEs on Wednesday, QCCI President Haji Mohammad Ayub Meriani stated the chamber would act as a practical bridge between government institutions and the business community, moving beyond “claims” to tangible steps. He highlighted the urgent need for accessible credit, particularly for women entrepreneurs in Balochistan’s tribal society, whom he praised for their contributions.
“We want to make it clear that we will play every possible role to end the difficulties faced by the business community across the province,” Meriani asserted. He lamented that banks impose excessively strict conditions for loans despite Balochistan currently having a “zero” loan default rate. This hesitation from financial institutions, he argued, is a major barrier to growth in a fertile region that has long suffered from a lack of support and opportunities.
Meriani revealed he has already held discussions with the Federal Commerce Minister, FBR Chairman, and SBP officials on the matter. He pledged the chamber’s full support to help local businesses, especially women, connect with national and international markets.
Echoing the president’s sentiments, other speakers, including Parvez Sheikh of Allied Bank and Agha Gul Khilji, acknowledged the challenges. Khilji committed to persuading SBP officials to design and offer interest-free, easy-term loan schemes specifically for Balochistan’s business community and women entrepreneurs.
The forum concluded with a unified resolve to advocate for policy changes that would unlock the province’s economic potential through enhanced financial inclusion.
Meanwhile Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) Chairman Abdul Khaliq Hazara launched a fierce attack on the provincial government and mainstream political parties during a series of campaign corner meetings for the upcoming local body elections in Quetta.
Addressing supporters in Zarghun Town, Hazara stated that the province’s deteriorated condition is a direct result of the 2024 general elections, where, he alleged, “fake people like mafia and parachutists” were given representation by sidelining the genuine representatives of the people. He claimed that those currently in the assemblies lack the “ability, courage and capacity” to resolve even minor public issues.
