Habib Bank Limited celebrates Jashan-e-Haryali Mela 2014

Islamabad, May 12, 2014 (PPI-OT): HBL, Pakistan’s preeminent bank, recently organized the HBL Jashan-e-Haryali Mela in Sahiwal. State Bank Governor, Mr. Ashraf Mahmood Wathra, graced the occasion as its Chief Guest and gave the keynote address.

Mr. Wathra said, “Agricultural finance is critically important for the State Bank. The Central Bank is taking key steps to improve access to credit for farmers, including enhancing financing limits, simplifying documentary requirements, and introducing Islamic Agri-Finance. Agricultural credit has grown threefold in the past 8 years.”

The Governor expressed his gratitude to HBL for arranging and organizing the HBL Jashan-e-Haryali, advising all banks should do the same to activate financial services awareness in rural areas. On the role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy, he called it, “Pakistan’s engine of growth”. Mr. Wathra underlined that “agriculture has the potential to increase productivity and help Pakistan acquire food self-sufficiency for equitable socioeconomic development.”

Mr. Nauman K. Dar, President and CEO, HBL, graced the occasion and in his address highlighted the significance that HBL gives to Rural Banking and HBL’s role in financial inclusion amongst rural Pakistan. Mr. Dar said: “over 45% of Pakistanis are employed by the agricultural sector; therefore it is essential that agriculture be a top priority by the financial community to ensure its role in Pakistan’s economic development.” Mr. Ashraf Wathra and Mr. Nauman Dar presented the winners of HBL’s lucky draw with gifts at the well-attended Mela.

For more information, contact:
Habib Bank Limited
Habib Bank Plaza
I.I. Chundrigar Road
Karachi-75650, Pakistan
Phone: 021-32418000 (50 lines)
Fax: 021-39217511

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