ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Microfinance Network (PMN) has launched the “Pakistan Micro finance Review 2011” The initiative supported by the PPAF, UKAID and the Citi Group.
PMN CEO, Syed Mohsin Ahmed started off with the highlights of achievements, challenges and opportunities of the micro finance industry.  The year 2011 was declared as a watershed period for the micro finance sector in Pakistan as the industry achieved sustainability despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The sector is proving successful in making transition to commercial finance and witnessed the launch of first money market financing instrument with a number of new products and services for credit as well as remittances.
The industry continued growth in branchless banking transactions despite the deployment of only two models and saw MFBs and MFIs linking up to provide financial services to the micro finance clientele. With nationwide launch of Micro finance-CIB(Credit


 Information Bureau), the industry will have the option to better manage credit risk and reward clients with good credit history.
Given these positive developments and the upgraded business environment ranking by Economist Intelligence Unit a number of deep pocket investors expressed interest in exploring the market for potential investment and a number of transactions were successfully concluded.
In presence of an enabling environment and the industry attaining sustainability, the sector is poised for growth. With the entry of new players and consolidation taking place, the industry is ideally positioned for expansion and provision of a wide array of services covering the entire spectrum of micro finance.
PMN Chair, Dr Rashid Bajwa highlighted the role of Government of Pakistan, and SBP in providing necessary framework and guidance for the micro finance industry. He also thanked the donors, especially UKAID and PPAF for their continued support to the industry in its growth and development.