In a significant development for microfinance in Pakistan, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company Limited (PMIC) have agreed to collaborate to enhance access to finance for microenterprises. This partnership aims to strengthen financial inclusion, particularly for underserved segments such as women entrepreneurs. CEO of SMEDA, Nadia Jahangir Seth, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "SMEDA is designing focused programmes in collaboration with financial institutions to improve financing opportunities for underserved business segments." The initiative is aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision for SME development and aims to operationalize a framework that promotes microfinance solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). PMIC CEO Yasir Ashfaq highlighted the organization's focus on expanding microfinance services, particularly in agriculture and education, and proposed a joint MSME conference to foster dialogue on financial access later this year.