Faysal Bank Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding with Waseela Pakistan to provide Shariah-compliant, fast-track financing solutions designed to support farmers in meeting their agricultural and operational needs. The partnership aims to improve access to finance for rural farmers while streamlining processes through digital platforms, reducing reliance on middlemen and manual financing mechanisms that have historically slowed agricultural credit disbursement.
The agreement enables financing under the Electronic Warehouse Receipt framework, a system that provides transparency, accountability, and improved risk management throughout the agricultural supply chain. This initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency for farmers while ensuring that financial resources reach those most in need in a timely and secure manner.
By leveraging Faysal Bank’s expertise in Islamic finance alongside Waseela Pakistan’s extensive farmer networks and on-ground support, the collaboration seeks to boost agricultural productivity, facilitate financial inclusion, and promote responsible lending practices within rural communities. The digital solutions offered through the partnership will allow farmers to access financing through simplified online processes, reducing paperwork, and accelerating approval timelines.
Faysal Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Yousaf Hussain, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy and highlighted the importance of providing timely, Shariah-compliant financing to ensure sustainable growth within the sector. He noted that innovative financing solutions such as this not only support farmers in managing cash flow and operational risks but also strengthen the broader agricultural ecosystem.
Waseela Pakistan’s Chief Executive Officer, Tania Aidrus, explained that the partnership would expand financial access to farmers who have traditionally been underserved by the formal banking system. The initiative is expected to improve credit transparency, reduce dependency on informal lenders, and offer tailored financial products to support the unique needs of agricultural enterprises across the country.
The collaboration represents a significant step toward integrating technology and Islamic finance principles into Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The use of digital platforms and warehouse receipt-based financing allows for real-time monitoring of loan utilization and asset-backed lending, minimizing operational risk while ensuring compliance with Shariah regulations.
Experts in agri-finance believe that partnerships like this can help bridge the gap between rural farmers and formal financial institutions, ultimately fostering inclusive growth in the agricultural sector. By providing easier access to capital and reducing the barriers associated with traditional loan processes, the initiative is expected to improve farm productivity, secure livelihoods, and enhance long-term financial sustainability for small and medium-scale farmers.
This MoU also reflects the growing trend of financial institutions collaborating with technology-enabled agricultural platforms to create scalable solutions that address the needs of underserved communities. By combining innovation, digital access, and Islamic financial products, Faysal Bank and Waseela Pakistan aim to set a model for responsible, inclusive financing that can be replicated across other regions in Pakistan.
The partnership underscores the potential of fintech and agri-tech solutions to transform rural financing, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen the country’s agricultural supply chain, ensuring that farmers can achieve higher productivity, financial security, and sustainable growth.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
