Askari Bank Limited has taken a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s rural economy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (Private) Limited (GCLI). The partnership aims to launch a structured program focusing on livestock fattening and rearing, with the objective of uplifting rural communities, generating employment, and enhancing Pakistan’s potential in global meat exports.
The signing ceremony brought together senior leadership from both organizations. Representing Askari Bank was Mr. Zia Ijaz, President and CEO, along with senior officials of the institution. From GCLI, Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood (R), Chairman, led the team of executives. The gathering reflected the importance of cross-sector collaborations in addressing economic challenges while unlocking new opportunities for growth and inclusion.
Under the framework of the agreement, Askari Bank will provide affordable financing facilities to farmers who qualify for the program. This financial support is designed to empower small and medium-scale livestock farmers by enabling them to invest in better animal care, feeding practices, and modernized rearing methods. GCLI, on the other hand, will extend technical support and offer essential data to identify and evaluate potential beneficiaries. This combination of financial resources and technical expertise creates a comprehensive support system aimed at improving both productivity and profitability in the livestock sector.
Livestock farming remains one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s agricultural economy, directly supporting rural households and providing livelihoods to millions. However, the sector has long faced challenges such as low productivity, limited access to modern practices, and inadequate financing options. The Askari Bank–GCLI collaboration addresses these gaps by ensuring farmers gain access to structured financial products alongside knowledge-driven support systems.
Through this initiative, farmers will be better equipped to enhance the quality of meat production, meeting both domestic consumption needs and international export standards. Higher quality outputs are expected to create stronger linkages with global markets, contributing to increased foreign exchange earnings. In addition, the program’s focus on empowering rural communities through finance and training will generate employment opportunities and increase household incomes, further supporting rural economic resilience.
Speaking at the event, officials highlighted the importance of linking finance with sustainable development initiatives. They emphasized that livestock farming, when supported through the right blend of capital and expertise, has the potential to transform Pakistan’s rural economy. By addressing financial barriers and promoting modern practices, the initiative aims to create a multiplier effect across the value chain.
For Askari Bank, this MoU reflects its broader commitment to financial inclusion and its focus on contributing to Pakistan’s agricultural economy. By extending its reach beyond conventional banking, the institution is positioning itself as a catalyst for rural transformation. For GCLI, the collaboration strengthens its mission to introduce innovation, scalability, and structured growth within Pakistan’s livestock industry.
This initiative also comes at a crucial time, as Pakistan works to diversify its export base and increase competitiveness in international markets. The emphasis on livestock aligns with national goals of tapping into high-demand sectors while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity. The Askari Bank–GCLI partnership represents a model of how financial institutions and industry players can work together to achieve meaningful economic impact.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.