Pakistan's central bank launches Banking on Equality Policy 2026

This post is general information, not professional financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making decisions.

Key takeaways

The State Bank of Pakistan has issued a new policy to widen women's access to formal finance, building on a reported narrowing of the inclusion gap.

What happened

The State Bank of Pakistan issued its Banking on Equality Policy 2026. The bank says the gender gap in financial inclusion narrowed from 39 percentage points in December 2021 to 29 points in December 2025. The new framework addresses access to accounts, digital services, entrepreneurship and representation within financial institutions.

Why it matters

Account access can affect saving, payments and business financing. The reported gap remains substantial, and a narrower gap alone does not establish that any one policy caused the change.

What to watch

Banks' implementation plans and future sex-disaggregated account and usage data will show whether access translates into active financial participation.