The SAFCO Group ushered in the New Year 2026 with a special ceremony at its head office in Hyderabad, using the occasion to reflect on a successful 2025 and chart an ambitious course for the coming year. The event highlighted the organization's expansion across social and financial services and its commitment to creating greater economic opportunities, particularly for women.
A Year of Global Recognition and Strategic Initiatives
Addressing the gathering, Founder and CEO Dr. Suleman G. Abro congratulated the team on the new year and reviewed the group's performance. He stated that in response to global changes throughout 2025, SAFCO significantly enhanced its initiatives in key areas. These focused on leveraging modern technology, stimulating economic activities, empowering women economically, and improving livelihoods and employment for people linked to agriculture, livestock, and small businesses.
Dr. Abro credited the collective hard work and dedication of the entire SAFCO team for the organization's success, which was marked by receiving several national and international awards. He described 2025 as a year of global recognition for SAFCO, solidifying its reputation on the world stage.
Bridging the Gap: A Focus on Women's Economic Participation
A major focus of the address was the critical role of women in South Asia's economic development. Dr. Abro pointed out a significant disparity, noting that female labor participation rates in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal range between 30 and 45 percent, while Pakistan continues to lag behind.
He cited Bangladesh's remarkable success story, where women's workforce participation surged from 21% to over 40% by employing more than three million women in the textile and garment sector. Emphasizing the lesson for Pakistan, Dr. Abro stressed the urgent need to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. This, he said, can be achieved through robust social protection mechanisms, greater financial inclusion, and supportive government policies.
He further affirmed that institutions should be built to benefit future generations, announcing that SAFCO would develop and implement phased strategies across all its sectors. A particular focus will be on creating more opportunities for women in the year ahead.
Overcoming Challenges and Influencing Policy
Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, the Managing Director of SAFCO Microfinance Company, also spoke at the ceremony. He noted that despite facing various challenges, 2025 proved to be a positive year for all three institutions under the SAFCO umbrella.
He revealed that SAFCO played an influential role in policy consultations at important national forums, including with the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan, particularly on financial and environmental policies. The group also ensured its effective representation at several international forums, amplifying its voice and expertise globally.
The ceremony included remarks from other key members including Bashir Ahmed Abro, Zeeshan Memon, Alina Soomro, Haresh Kumar, Rameez Iqbal Memon, Falak Ali, Wajid Hussain Junejo, and Habibullah Khilji. The event concluded on a celebratory note with the traditional cutting of a New Year's cake, symbolizing hope and shared resolve for 2026.
