UBL launches ‘Building Pakistan’s Future’ – a Rs 40 billion nation-building initiative

Islamabad: United Bank Limited (UBL), Pakistan’s largest bank by deposits, today announced three landmark national development initiatives involving commitments of up to PKR 40 billion, reinforcing its belief that the country’s leading financial institutions must play an active role in shaping Pakistan’s long-term economic and social future.

Spanning education, stability of financial markets and agriculture, these initiatives represent one of the largest private sector commitments towards nation building in recent years and reflect UBL’s strategy of creating sustainable value that extends well beyond traditional banking.

Transforming Pakistan’s agricultural ecosystem

Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, UBL is establishing a dedicated agricultural subsidiary with investment of up to PKR 8 billion.

The subsidiary will focus exclusively on building an integrated ecosystem for farmers by providing research and development support for Pakistan’s farmers, technology-driven advisory services aimed at improving productivity, profitability and sustainability, timely access to high-quality agricultural inputs, affordable agricultural financing, market access & trade facilitation, modern logistics and supply chain solutions.

By combining knowledge, financing and market connectivity on a single platform, the initiative seeks to transform the agricultural value chain, improve farm incomes and contribute to Pakistan’s food security and export competitiveness.

Investing in Pakistan’s future through education

UBL has committed PKR 10 billion towards establishing a university in Pakistan. This commitment will be matched by an equal contribution from the Bestway Foundation, bringing the combined investment of up to PKR 20 billion.

The proposed institution aims to become a centre of excellence for teaching, research, innovation and leadership development, producing graduates capable of competing with the very best universities around the world while contributing meaningfully to Pakistan’s future.

Strengthening financial sector of Pakistan

UBL has also committed up to PKR 22 billion to provide necessary capital to Khushhali Microfinance Bank (KMBL). The investment comes at a critical time for the institution, which has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. KMBL had negative equity of PKR 16.15 billion as on December 31, 2025. UBL’s investment would help strengthen the financials of KMBL and help in stability of financial markets of Pakistan. 

A vision beyond banking

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, President & CEO of UBL, said:

“As Pakistan’s leading bank, we believe our responsibility extends beyond traditional banking. We have a broader obligation to contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term development. These initiatives represent strategic investments in Pakistan’s future by strengthening three of its most important pillars - education, stability of financial markets and agriculture.

• A university will help shape future leaders and innovators.

• Providing necessary capital to KMBL will strengthen the financial markets of Pakistan.

• Our agriculture platform will empower farmers with knowledge, financing, technology and market access.

Together, these initiatives reflect UBL’s unwavering commitment to creating sustainable national impact and supporting Pakistan’s long-term prosperity.”

Building Pakistan’s future

Collectively representing a commitment of PKR 40 billion, these initiatives demonstrate UBL’s conviction that long-term national progress requires sustained investment in people, institutions and productive sectors of the economy.

While UBL remains committed to delivering strong financial performance and creating value for its shareholders, the Bank is equally committed to creating lasting value for Pakistan by investing in the country’s future, strengthening the financing markets and enabling inclusive and sustainable economic growth.