*SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan Addresses Joint Pakistan–Azerbaijan Women Entrepreneurship Dialogue
Islamabad: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, addressed the Joint Pakistan–Azerbaijan Women Entrepreneurship Dialogue as the Chief Guest, highlighting the critical role of women entrepreneurs in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the ceremony, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said that women have transformed limited resources into opportunities, bringing about a quiet but powerful revolution in Pakistan’s economy. He noted that from rural areas to urban centers, women are actively contributing to business, industry, and trade, strengthening communities and value chains across the country.
Referring to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he emphasized that national progress is impossible without the active participation of women. He reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s consistent stance that women are the architects of society and the true drivers of the national economy.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan acknowledged the outstanding contributions of women across education, healthcare, business, and public service, stating that Pakistani women have proven their capabilities and leadership in diverse sectors. At the same time, he candidly recognized the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to finance, digital tools, and international markets.
Despite these challenges, he said, women continue to move forward with patience, creativity, and resilience. He stressed that the Government of Pakistan is transforming women’s economic inclusion from a mere aspiration into a national economic strategy, with a clear focus not only on inclusion but on leadership, scale, and global competitiveness.
He informed the audience that the Ministry of Industries and Production, with SMEDA as its key implementation arm, is actively strengthening women-led enterprises. SMEDA is providing training, mentoring, advisory services, market access support, and business development facilitation for women entrepreneurs. Its three-year business plan includes targeted initiatives specifically designed to support women-owned businesses.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan further shared that SME financing schemes are being aligned to create greater ease for women entrepreneurs in accessing credit and growth capital. He announced that Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy, a landmark initiative that will place women entrepreneurs at the center of economic planning.
He added that the National Industrial Policy accords central importance to women entrepreneurs, recognizing them as key drivers of productivity, exports, and economic competitiveness. Increased participation of women, he said, will significantly boost production, exports, and overall economic resilience.
Welcoming the collaboration between the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Azerbaijan Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan described it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral trade and investment through women-led enterprises. He noted that women can play a vital role in expanding cooperation in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, IT, tourism, and creative industries.
He also emphasized that Women Chambers of Commerce are no longer symbolic bodies but have emerged as effective institutions driving economic reform and growth. Today’s woman entrepreneur, he said, is not seeking concessions but demanding equal access, fair opportunities, and a level playing field.
Concluding his address, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing an enabling, inclusive, and globally competitive business environment for women. He stressed that for sustainable development and global competitiveness, women entrepreneurship must remain at the core of Pakistan’s economic strategy.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
