Sindh Increases Loan Limit for Women Empowerment to Rs 1.5 Million

Sindh Minister Nasir Shah, announced extending

the Sindh Rural Support Organization program

from 17 districts to all 29 across the province

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, announced that the provincial government is expanding its women empowerment initiative by increasing the maximum loan limit to Rs 1.5 million and extending the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) program from 17 districts to all 29 across the province.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Final Dissemination Workshop of SRSO held at the Arts Council Karachi, the minister said the move, initiated on the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, aims to economically and socially uplift both rural and urban women in Sindh.

Women’s Economic Empowerment a Top Priority

Shah emphasized that the initiative, which began in 2017, has already helped hundreds of women become self-reliant. “No other province has launched such a comprehensive program for women’s economic empowerment. The success is visible—and it’s the women themselves who deserve credit,” he said.

He further stated that with the expanded scope of SRSO, the Sindh Government is committed to reaching deserving women in urban areas, ensuring inclusive growth across the province.

Free Solar Power and Housing for Flood Victims

In addition to women-focused development, Shah revealed that the government is constructing 2.1 million houses for flood-affected families, benefiting around 8 million people. A similar initiative is also planned for Balochistan.

He also announced that mini-grid solar power stations will be established in off-grid rural areas of Sindh. “Households with minimal electricity usage will receive power free of cost, while others will pay just Rs 10 per unit,” he added.

SRSO’s Role in Poverty Alleviation Recognized

The minister reiterated that the partnership with SRSO would continue and expand, covering development areas such as education, agriculture, housing, and poverty reduction. He noted that the initiative was a dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and was realized under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Program Impact Since 2017

SRSO Chairperson Naheed Shah Durrani shared that since its inception in 2017, 400 women from six districts have become economically independent through this program. “These women are not only supporting their families but also inspiring others,” she said.

SRSO CEO Muhammad Dital Kalhoro also addressed the event, highlighting the organization’s ongoing contributions toward social and economic development across Sindh.