The State Bank of Pakistan has set new targets for increasing women’s participation in banking under its Banking on Equality policy for 2026.
The revised policy sets a target for women to account for 22% of bank employees by the end of 2028, compared with an earlier benchmark of 17%.
The policy also seeks to improve women’s access to accounts and other formal financial services, placing responsibility on regulated financial institutions to translate inclusion goals into operational measures.
The employment target is a future benchmark, not a statement that banks have already achieved a 22% female workforce. Progress will depend on hiring, retention and institutional implementation.
The revised framework forms part of the central bank’s efforts to address gaps in access to banking and representation within the financial sector.
Pakistan Report Illustration — Women’s access to banking and financial services in Pakistan.