ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): In a landmark step towards strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural financing landscape, the Privatisation Commission has signed a Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with a consortium led by Next Capital Limited for the strategic privatisation of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL). The consortium brings together a powerhouse of expertise, including Ijaz Ahmed & Associates, Baker Tilly Mehmood Idrees Qamar, Executives Network International, Bridge Public Relations, Savills Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited, and Prima Global Consulting (Pvt.) Limited.
This initiative reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to inviting private sector investment, modernising banking operations, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). More importantly, it marks a decisive step towards equipping ZTBL with the tools, capital, and agility needed to empower Pakistan’s farmers and agribusinesses like never before.
Post privatisation, ZTBL, with its nationwide network of 501 branches will be better positioned to:
• Deliver faster, more accessible credit to small farmers and rural communities
• Introduce modern banking technologies and digital solutions for agriculture financing
• Strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability
• Expand financial products tailored for emerging agribusiness opportunities
• Enhance customer service and on-ground responsiveness to meet farmers’ evolving needs
The privatisation of ZTBL is designed to catalyse investment in Pakistan’s agricultural future by combining private sector efficiency with ZTBL’s long-standing expertise in agricultural finance for fostering rural prosperity and ensuring farmers have timely access to essential financial resources.
The signing of this FASA represents the first critical milestone in the privatisation journey. Under the agreement, the Financial Advisor will conduct sell-side due diligence, carry out market sounding, engage with potential investors, structure the transaction, market it to investors, and assist the Privatisation Commission in a transparent bidding process.
With this bold move, the Government envisions a revitalised ZTBL that is faster, smarter, and more responsive — enabling Pakistan’s farmers to grow stronger, compete better, and contribute more robustly to the national economy.
