HBL has teamed up with Mastercard to launch Business Debit Cards aimed specifically at Pakistan’s SMEs, marking a significant milestone in supporting small businesses through digital and financial solutions. Available in Classic and World variants, these cards are designed to provide seamless, secure, and convenient payment options for entrepreneurs and sole proprietors. The initiative reflects HBL’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s SME sector, which accounts for nearly 40 percent of the national GDP and employs one-third of the country’s workforce. By offering these cards, HBL seeks to streamline everyday business transactions and further promote a cashless economy across the country.
Over the years, HBL has played a pivotal role in enabling SMEs by surpassing PKR 100 billion in SME lending and introducing non-collateralized financing to expand access to credit. The Business Debit Card complements these efforts by providing a robust payment solution that allows businesses to manage expenses efficiently while fostering a more digitized ecosystem. As Pakistan continues its push toward financial inclusion, HBL’s leadership in debit card issuance underscores the bank’s commitment to equipping SMEs with tools that drive operational efficiency and economic growth.
The launch event, held at HBL Tower in Karachi, brought together senior leaders from both HBL and Mastercard, including Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO of HBL; Aamir Kureshi, Head of Products, Transactional Services & Solution Delivery at HBL; and J.K. Khalil, Division President, East Arabia at Mastercard. Addressing attendees, Salim highlighted the central role SMEs play in Pakistan’s economy, emphasizing that HBL aligns with government and State Bank initiatives to support growth, formalize businesses, and strengthen economic resilience. Khalil added that Mastercard shares the commitment to enabling small businesses to thrive, while advancing digital transactions and financial inclusion in line with SBP’s vision.
Aamir Kureshi further noted that the Business Debit Card represents a natural extension of HBL’s SME support strategy, linking financing solutions to efficient, secure, and digitized payment systems. The collaboration between HBL and Mastercard, which has been ongoing since 2013, continues to introduce innovative payment solutions that empower businesses to operate in a digital-first economy. By offering these Business Debit Cards, both institutions reaffirm their dedication to fostering economic growth, enabling SMEs to unlock their potential, and driving a more digitized financial landscape in Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
