Askari Bank Limited and HBL Zarai Services Limited have officially partnered to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural finance ecosystem through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration is aimed at driving financial inclusion, expanding access to modern agricultural tools, and offering technical support to farmers across the country.
The MoU was signed during a formal ceremony attended by senior officials from both organizations, including Mr. Zia Ijaz, President and CEO of Askari Bank, and Mr. Amer Aziz, CEO of HBL Zarai Services. This joint initiative highlights a mutual commitment to advancing the agricultural landscape through financial technology and advisory services tailored for rural communities.
As part of this alliance, both institutions will leverage their respective expertise to introduce innovative financial solutions that cater to the unique needs of farmers. By integrating banking services with agricultural support, the collaboration aims to bridge critical gaps in rural financing, enabling farmers to access credit facilities, purchase quality inputs, and receive expert guidance on sustainable farming practices.
Askari Bank brings to the table its extensive experience in digital and conventional banking, along with a wide network that can provide touchpoints for outreach in remote regions. On the other hand, HBL Zarai Services, a subsidiary of Habib Bank Limited, focuses specifically on agriculture and is well-positioned to offer specialised services including precision farming tools, market linkages, and input financing.
The partnership is particularly timely as Pakistan’s agricultural sector faces challenges ranging from outdated farming techniques to limited access to structured finance. This MoU not only aims to modernise agriculture but also supports national goals of food security and economic stability by empowering the rural population.
This initiative is aligned with the broader goal of digitising agricultural finance. Through the use of technology and data-driven decision-making tools, both organisations aim to enhance the delivery of financial products in a more efficient and transparent manner. By facilitating end-to-end solutions—from credit access to agronomic support—the partnership promises to be a game-changer for thousands of farmers.
Mr. Zia Ijaz, CEO of Askari Bank, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration by stating that combining Askari Bank’s financial capabilities with HBL Zarai’s domain knowledge will result in significant impact for the underserved rural economy. Similarly, Mr. Amer Aziz expressed optimism that this MoU will allow both organisations to reach deeper into rural communities and offer integrated services that go beyond conventional banking.
The ceremony concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to enabling financial empowerment in agriculture, ensuring that this initiative leads to real outcomes on the ground. Over the coming months, the partnership will focus on rolling out pilot programs and expanding outreach efforts in key agricultural regions.
By fostering synergies between finance and agriculture, Askari Bank and HBL Zarai Services are paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient agri-economy in Pakistan.