Habib Bank Limited (HBL), in collaboration with Mastercard, has officially launched its Business Debit Card, a product designed specifically for Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs. The new card is being introduced in two variants, the Classic Business Debit Card and the World Business Debit Card, offering tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of businesses across the country.
The launch underscores HBL’s strategy to strengthen financial inclusion, empower the SME sector, and drive the transition toward a cashless economy. Pakistan’s SME sector is one of the largest contributors to the economy, with over 5 million SMEs collectively contributing nearly 40 percent to the national GDP while employing almost one-third of the country’s workforce. Recognizing this critical role, HBL has positioned itself as a market leader in supporting SMEs by becoming the first bank to surpass PKR 100 billion in SME lending. The bank has also pioneered non-collateralized lending in Pakistan, enabling businesses to access credit more easily and fueling their ability to expand operations.
The new Business Debit Card will allow SMEs to manage everyday transactions more efficiently, providing them with a secure, fast, and convenient payment solution. HBL already holds the distinction of being the largest issuer of debit cards in Pakistan, and this launch reinforces its commitment to expand beyond consumer banking into empowering businesses with digital financial tools.
The official launch event took place at HBL Tower in Karachi on August 27, 2025, and was attended by top executives from both HBL and Mastercard. Among the participants were Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO of HBL; Aamir Kureshi, Head of Products, Transactional Services & Solution Delivery at HBL; and J.K. Khalil, Division President, East Arabia at Mastercard. Senior leaders from both organizations highlighted the importance of digital transformation for SMEs and reiterated their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
Speaking at the ceremony, HBL President and CEO Muhammad Nassir Salim emphasized the government’s and the State Bank of Pakistan’s focus on SMEs as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. He noted that HBL fully supports this national vision by equipping small businesses with reliable financial solutions that enable secure, seamless transactions. He added that by helping SMEs grow and formalize, the bank is directly contributing to Pakistan’s long-term economic stability and progress.
J.K. Khalil of Mastercard highlighted that small businesses form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that the collaboration between Mastercard and HBL aims to provide them with tools that help them thrive in a digital-first environment. He stated that the partnership is aligned with Mastercard’s global mission of empowering businesses through secure payment solutions while supporting Pakistan’s broader transition to a cashless economy.
Echoing these views, Aamir Kureshi of HBL noted that the launch of the Business Debit Card was a natural step forward in extending HBL’s SME-focused offerings from financing into payment solutions. He explained that by offering efficient and secure digital transactions, the initiative aims to encourage more SMEs to adopt digital behavior, ultimately strengthening the foundations of a modern financial ecosystem in Pakistan.
HBL and Mastercard have a longstanding relationship, dating back to 2013, during which they have jointly introduced a number of innovative financial products and services in the country. With the Business Debit Card launch, both institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing financial inclusion, enabling SMEs to unlock growth opportunities, and accelerating Pakistan’s shift toward a fully digitized economy.
Category: Banks, Finance, Fintech, E-Commerce
Tags: HBL Mastercard Business Debit Card, SME financial solutions Pakistan, HBL SME lending, Pakistan SMEs digital payments, Mastercard Pakistan partnership, cashless economy Pakistan, HBL debit card launch, financial inclusion Pakistan, SME empowerment Pakistan, digital banking Pakistan, HBL Mastercard partnership, SME payment solutions Pakistan
Description: HBL, in partnership with Mastercard, has launched Pakistan’s first Business Debit Card designed exclusively for SMEs, sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs. With Classic and World variants, the card provides secure and seamless payment solutions, reinforcing HBL’s commitment to financial inclusion, SME empowerment, and driving Pakistan toward a cashless economy.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
