The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in partnership with SMEDA held an International Women Entrepreneurship Day event attended by senior government and business leaders to promote women entrepreneurship across Pakistan.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, told the audience that women are not only participants in the economic landscape but the driving force behind innovation and sustainable development. He underlined FPCCI’s commitment, together with SMEDA, to capacity building and training programs aimed at strengthening women-led SMEs and fostering new brands and employment opportunities.
Mr. Atif praised the efforts of Vice President Qurrat ul Ain for her services toward women’s empowerment and noted that Pakistan cannot progress by leaving half its population behind. He stressed that the future of the economy and sustainable development depends on the active participation of women, and highlighted how women-led businesses are transforming industries despite persistent challenges.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industry Haroon Akhtar Khan addressed the gathering and reaffirmed federal resolve to address women’s issues and provide necessary facilities. He said the government’s vision and support for SMEs encourages women to become economically empowered, emphasizing that Pakistan’s workforce and progress rely on the contribution of its women.
Nadia, CEO of SMEDA, outlined the agency’s focus on economic empowerment through targeted SME support, access to finance and skills development. She emphasized that providing loans and upgrading skills are key measures to enable women to scale businesses and participate fully in the market.
The event brought together business leaders including Tariq Jadoon, Kareem Aziz Malik and Malik Sohail Hussain, reflecting a collaborative push by public and private sectors for substantive advances in women entrepreneurship and greater inclusion in Pakistan’s economic growth.
