Yasir Sheikh, a resident of Sheikh Muhalla in Shikarpur, Sindh, always dreamed of running his own business. He began with a small cart selling snacks on the street and gradually expanded to owning a grocery store. As his family grew, Yasir’s desire to provide a quality education for his children intensified. He enrolled them in good private schools, but soon found himself struggling to manage the school fees alongside daily expenses. Faced with the difficult choice between feeding his family and paying for education, Yasir felt overwhelmed and worried. In search of a solution, Yasir turned to U Bank for financial support. The bank's staff guided him through the loan options, and he quickly secured the necessary funds with Barhta Karobar Plus Loan. Within a year, Yasir not only expanded his grocery business but also successfully repaid the loan. Today, his store offers a wider variety of products, his income has increased, and his children are receiving the education he always dreamed of providing. Yasir’s story is a testament to how U Bank's microfinance services can empower small businesses to improve lives and livelihoods in Pakistan.

M. Iqbal Qadri from Adda Shabeel, Sahiwal – Punjab, Pakistan, is a determined business owner, who was working for a small pharmacy as a salesman before progressing to opening his own shop in Sahiwal. Sahiwal, where he is from, is an agricultural region and his family had traditionally been farmers. Between 2006 and 2007, Iqbal worked as a salesman, before he decided to open up his own retail store. He further required capital to expand it and increase his customer inflow. With suggestions from his friends, he twice availed the U Bank Islamic Banking - Apna Karobar Premium Murabaha Financing facility to add investment to his store for its growth. Today, he owns the shop himself, has added inventory and variety to his store, does not have to pay rent, sends his kids to good schools, and is living a good life.

In the rural town of Kot Laysan, Rajanpur, Punjab, Tauqeer Ahmed has been running a successful clothing shop in Saddar Bazaar for 16 years, offering a wide variety of female clothing, from formal wedding clothes to casual dresses. Before starting his own business, Tauqeer worked as a salesman in a jewelry store for a decade, where he struggled with financial constraints. Realizing the potential in the clothing market, he decided to open his own shop, which required less initial investment and promised higher sales. To further expand his business, Tauqeer turned to U Bank for a Running Finance facility. The bank responded promptly, processing his loan quickly and offering a low markup rate. With this financial support, Tauqeer was able to invest in his business, resulting in substantial growth. Now, he enjoys daily sales of thousands of rupees, his income has improved significantly, and he has elevated his household's living standards. Tauqeer’s story highlights the vital role that U Bank's microfinance services play in empowering small and medium-sized businesses in Pakistan.

In the rural town of Rajanpur Kalan, Rahim Yar Khan, where agriculture is the lifeblood of the community, Jam Shabir Ahmed faced significant challenges. Without owning land of his own, Shabir worked on a landowner’s farm, struggling to make ends meet. Determined to change his circumstances, he set up his own flour and lentils mill, even expanding to extract mustard oil. However, frequent power outages due to electricity load shedding threatened his livelihood, making it difficult to operate his mill and pay the bills. A suggestion to approach U Bank for a loan changed Shabir’s life. He secured a Solar Financing facility, and within days, solar panels were installed on the roof of his mill. This shift to solar energy not only powered his mill efficiently but also supplied electricity to his home, doubling his productivity and improving his income. Now, free from the burden of electricity bills and outages, Shabir is focused on expanding his business, upgrading his mill, and planning for the future. Grateful for the support from U Bank, Shabir's story is a powerful example of how financial inclusion can transform lives in rural and agricultural regions of Pakistan.

Raja Mallah, hailing from the small rural city of Peer Jo Goth in Sindh, always dreamed of running his own business. For years, he worked as a salesman at a clothing store, but his modest salary wasn’t enough to meet the growing needs of his expanding family. With the bustling tourism in his city, Raja saw an opportunity to open his own fabric shop at the main square, offering a wide variety of fabrics to locals and visitors alike. However, the devastating floods in recent years severely impacted his business, causing significant losses. Determined to rebuild and grow, Raja turned to U Bank’s Khud Mukhtar Loan. With this financial support, he was able to scale his business, expanding his inventory and catering to the increasing demand from tourists. Today, Raja’s fabric shop is thriving, providing him with a steady income and securing his family’s financial stability. U Bank’s Khud Mukhtar Loan was instrumental in turning Raja’s entrepreneurial dreams into reality, helping him overcome challenges and improve his living standards.

Mohammad Nadeem, after years of hard work in Saudi Arabia, returned to his rural hometown in Pasrur, Sialkot District, in 2017. He quickly identified the lack of quality educational institutions as a major challenge in his community. Determined to make a difference, Mohammad Nadeem purchased a property and established a school in the area. He and the dedicated teachers worked tirelessly to improve the educational standards, providing the children with an environment where they could learn and grow. However, despite their best efforts, the school's student strength remained low due to the lack of transportation options. The surrounding villages, situated 5-10 kilometers away, were too far for young children to travel on foot. To address this, Nadeem sought financial support from U Bank, securing a 2 million rupee Sarmaya-e-Taleem Loan, which enabled him to purchase a coaster and provide much-needed transport services for the children. Today, the school is thriving, with more students enrolled thanks to the reliable transportation. Nadeem’s initiative has not only improved access to education in his area but has also inspired the community by demonstrating the impact of financial support in transforming lives. Mohammad Nadeem credits U Bank for their quick loan processing and unwavering support, which allowed him to turn his vision into reality. His story is a powerful example of how financial inclusion can drive positive change, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education is often limited.

Dilawar Waheed, a dedicated farmer from the agricultural land of Jhang, has been working with livestock for the past three years. When a market crisis struck, Dilawar found himself in need of additional animals to keep his business afloat. That’s when U Bank’s Livestock Loan provided the lifeline he needed. With the loan, Dilawar was able to purchase more animals, which significantly boosted his business. He expanded his livestock for both milk production and slaughter, leading to increased profits. This financial growth allowed him to not only sustain his business but also pay his employees, thereby supporting the local economy. U Bank’s Livestock Loan played a crucial role in Dilawar’s journey, offering him a path to financial inclusion and a better standard of living. By providing the necessary financing, U Bank empowered Dilawar to overcome challenges and continue growing his business, ensuring a stable future for himself and his community.  

Abu Huraira Khan, a small business owner in Toba Tehsil, Gojra, Pakistan, has been running his general store for the past six years. In a community where most residents are engaged in farming, Abu Huraira’s store has become a vital hub for essential supplies. However, as technology advanced, he realized that to keep up with changing times, he needed to bring his business dealings online. With more customers using online payments and sending receipts through WhatsApp, and with the need to make purchase orders online, Abu Huraira recognized the importance of having a smartphone. However, using his shop’s cash for this purchase would have disrupted his cash flow. On the recommendation of a friend, he turned to U Bank’s Mobile & Laptop Financing facility. With U Bank’s support, Abu Huraira purchased a smartphone, allowing him to streamline his inventory management, make online purchases, and maintain digital records. Now, he can easily WhatsApp vendors for supplies, send receipts to customers, and even pay bills directly from his phone. Additionally, he’s learning new business management techniques through online platforms, further enhancing his operations. Thanks to U Bank, Abu Huraira has successfully digitized his small business, staying competitive and efficient in the evolving market. U Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion is empowering rural entrepreneurs like Abu Huraira to thrive in the digital age.

Saleem Abbas, a seasoned farmer from Bilot Shareef, Dera Ismail Khan, has dedicated the last 20 years to cultivating wheat, sugarcane, corn, and dates on his 2000 kanals of land. His farming efforts not only sustain his family but also benefit the underprivileged community in his vicinity. However, Saleem faced a challenge when his old tractor, essential for plowing his extensive land, became outdated and needed replacement. With a large area to manage, a new tractor was crucial, but he was short of the necessary funds. Turning to U Bank Islamic Banking, Saleem utilized their Asaan Kashtkaar financing facility of PKR 3 million to purchase a new tractor. This investment has drastically reduced his work time and increased productivity on his farm. Beyond his own use, Saleem rents out the tractor to other farmers in his community, further aiding those in need. Thanks to U Bank's commitment to financial inclusion, Saleem’s farm is now more efficient, and his profits have grown. By supporting Saleem, U Bank is not only empowering individual farmers but also fostering agricultural development in rural regions.

Nauman Aqeel, a dedicated shopkeeper from Sarai Muhajir, Bhakkar, Pakistan, faced daily challenges in managing his business and family responsibilities. Running a small general store for 3.5 years, he struggled with transportation, spending too much on rickshaws and buses, and often waiting hours for public transport. Living 15-18 kilometers away from his store, Nauman needed a reliable way to commute, carry shop supplies, and drop his children at school. His dream of owning a motorbike seemed out of reach until he approached U Bank for a Motorbike Loan. With U Bank's support, Nauman was able to purchase his own motorbike. Now, he effortlessly manages his business, drops his kids to school on time, and saves on transportation costs. Thanks to U Bank, Nauman’s life has become easier, allowing him to focus on his work and family with peace of mind.

Iqbal Hussain, a dedicated farmer and livestock owner from Alipur, Muzaffargarh, was increasingly concerned about rising electricity costs and frequent power outages, which were cutting into his profits. He manages 10 acres of agricultural land, where he cultivates wheat and cotton, along with maintaining livestock and operating a flour mill. The high electricity bills for running his water bore were making it difficult for him to turn a substantial profit. However, after availing U Bank's Solar Financing facility, Iqbal was able to power his tube well and flour mill using solar energy. This transformation significantly boosted his productivity and profits. His story highlights how the switch to solar panels has revolutionized his operations, leading to a more successful and sustainable farming business.

Dr. Dur e Saman, originally from Peshawar, had always dreamed of opening her own dentistry clinic. After moving to Abbottabad, she faced the challenge of entering a market that was slow and hesitant to trust new services. However, her determination and the support from U Bank's Shana Bashana Loan, specifically designed for women entrepreneurs, changed everything. With the financing from U Bank, Dr. Saman was able to invest in high-tech, quality equipment for her clinic. This not only elevated the standard of care she provided but also earned the trust and loyalty of her patients. Her clinic now enjoys a steady flow of income, proving that with the right tools and support, success is achievable even in challenging markets. U Bank’s Shana Bashana Loan has not only helped Dr. Saman realize her entrepreneurial dreams but also plays a crucial role in empowering women by providing them with the financial opportunities they need to start and grow their businesses.

Ghulam Hussain always dreamt of starting his own business to secure his family's financial future. Living in the small city of Thatta in Sindh, he didn't have many options for funding to start a new business. U Bank's Khud Mukhtar Loan facility provided him with a loan of PKR 1.3 Million. With this money, he opened his own milk shop, bought the necessary equipment, and now earns enough to support his family. He has even expanded the shop and plans to involve his son in running it. Ghulam Hussain hopes to grow his business into a cattle farm in the future, creating a family business for generations to come. Ghulam Hussain Jokhio - Thatta, Sindh

Azra, who comes from the ancient city of Harappa, runs a small clothing business from her home. She has always been a working woman, while her husband is a retired military officer. Their income mainly came from his pension and the clothing line. However, with rising expenses and inflation, they were worried about their expenses and savings. To ensure financial security, Azra was searching for a financial service through which she could earn an additional amount per month on her savings. She came across U Bank's Mehfooz Bachat Account, using which she was able to keep her money safe and earn a monthly profit. It has helped her increase her earnings and easily cover expenses, like children's education fees. Azra Naheed Tabassum - Harappa, Sindh

After her husband passed away, Aliya Bibi has been single-handedly taking care of her children and their expenses. Living in Sahiwal, she had limited opportunities to save money or increase her income. Meeting the expenses of her children's education, healthcare, and basic necessities was a challenge for her. However, things changed when she invested her savings in U Bank's Samar Term Deposit account. Now, she receives a good return on her savings every month to manage her monthly expenses, her children’s school fees, etc. in a better manner. Aliya Bibi - Sahiwal, Punjab

Ghulam Abbas from the small city of Gojra in Punjab runs a girls-only school. He started it in 2017 to promote education for girls. With 110 students from Play Group to Middle School, the school has thrived and served the community. With the aim of attracting new students, and increasing the revenue, Ghulam Abbas wanted to renovate the school. He found out about U Bank's Sarmaya-e-Taleem loan facility through social media. He applied for a loan of PKR 350,000 to upgrade the school premises, renovate, and buy desks, tables, chairs, and blackboards. With the renovation and new purchases, he has been able to secure new admissions and improve on his efforts towards providing education to girls in his city. Ghulam Abbas - Gojra, Punjab

United King is a well-known sweets and bakers based in Karachi. With a network of 16 branches, they are offering almost 200+ products for three decades. They are amongst the market leaders in their industry with consistent growth over the years. In order to avoid any delays in salary disbursement, they started using U Bank's Branchless Banking services to disburse salaries to their employees and have been relying on U Bank as a trusted financial partner. United King - Bakers and Nimko

Ayaz Memon operates a flour mill in Mirpur Sakro, Sindh. Having access to reliable and affordable electricity is important for his mill's smooth functioning. However, he faced frequent power cuts that hampered productivity. Moreover, rising inflation made it challenging for him to manage high electricity bills while keeping flour prices affordable. A friend of Ayaz suggested U Bank’s Solar Financing facility, with which he obtained a loan of PKR 1 Million to purchase and install solar panels at his mill. This decision helped him save over PKR 120,000 per month on bills. Despite his limited knowledge of solar energy, the helpful U Bank staff guided him in making a wise choice for his business and community. Ayaz takes pride in reducing his reliance on non-renewable energy sources and decreasing his mill's carbon footprint. Ayaz Memon - Mirpur Sakro, Sindh

Al Karam Studio, supported by its parent company Al Karam Textile Mills, entered the fashion retail industry nearly 13 years ago. Al Karam Textile Mills is a global provider of modern textile solutions and has a network of over 50 retail stores across Pakistan. U Bank handles monthly payroll disbursal for employees from retail stores, factories, delivery riders, and janitorial staff. With this, U Bank has been able to provide digital financial solutions to their staff, which was originally dependent on cash salaries. Al Karam Studio

Blue-EX is a sub-brand of Universal Network Systems (UNS) – a reputable Pakistani organization that was launched in 2005. Operating as a logistics company relying on motorbike riders, “Blue-EX” has been operating in Pakistan since 2011, with the company operating in more than 38 cities across the country. Previously, Blue-EX was using dated, conventional banking services for its payroll disbursement process. These became a hindrance for their staff who complained about issues with monitoring payments. The organization then opted for U Bank’s UPaisa - Digital Services which allowed for a seamless shift of the company’s payroll accounts, making the employees’ lives much easier. With U Bank’s nationwide operations, their riders now have the option of using ATM services from even the most remote areas in Pakistan, allowing them access to their funds without any need for branch visits. Branchless Banking Solutions

Syed Rahim, a resident of Khwazakhela Swat has been the proud owner of his own fish farm since four years now. With his business flourishing in the fish farm-heavy area of Swat, Syed Rahim was often encouraged to expand on his business, but he lacked the resources to grow his farming business further, despite managing to upscale his facility to some extent. Syed Rahim through U Bank was able to utilize “Barhta Karobar Loan” (MSME Loan) which allowed him to take his business to the next level. The loan allowed him to expand his farm’s size considerably Syed Rahim’s business has grown to an extent that he now works as the wholesaler while trading in city markets as well. Throughout his journey, Syed Rahim has appreciated the bank’s customer service, which assisted him in achieving his goals and allowed him to look to the future, with greater expansion for his business and farms. Barhta Karobar Loan (MSME Loan)

Hafeez Shakeel Hussain Shah started out as a humble fruit and vegetable seller on the streets of Bagh, Azad Kashmir where he sold his produce directly to people at their doorsteps. Despite his modest beginnings, Hafeez rented a commercial vehicle to help support his sales to help grow his business. However, the rent of the vehicle created an obstacle and started to impact his revenues negatively. He also faced logistical issues as his deliveries were often late, and he faced numerous complaints from his customers. Knowing how much negative word of mouth could impact his business, he began to seek avenues to finance the purchase of his own vehicle for his business. By getting in touch with U Microfinance Bank, Hafeez was able to avail a loan through Commercial Vehicle Financing. Hafeez was able to get his own vehicle and now consistently delivers to his customers on time. With the positive experience he had with U Bank’s customer services alongside an easy to pay back repayment plan, Hafeez is now looking to get an additional vehicle to help his business grow even further. Commercial Vehicle Financing

Roohi Asif, a resident of Liaqatabad in Karachi had been working hard to take care of two children since her husband’s demise. As a widowed single mother, she was the sole breadwinner for her children and had to face immense struggle as a result. Being unable to afford a place of her own, Roohi had to move in with her brother’s family to help support her children. Even with Roohi’s combined assets and savings, she still lacked the financials to afford separate shelter for her family. Struggling to make ends meet, she consulted a colleague who referred her to U Microfinance Bank, and things changed. With the help of the Bank’s understanding and cooperative service, Roohi was recommended the Tankhwa Loan, which helped her in overcoming her financial obstacles while allowing her to repay the loan comfortably. Roohi now lives in a separate space of her own - A Home Tankhwa Loan

Saif-ur-Rehman Memon, a resident of Chambar (Tando Allahyar), began rearing cattle at a young age and now has been working for 15 years. He started his business with only two cows, selling milk on a small scale – tending to customers with lesser demand before realizing the demand for milk around Chambar area was quickly growing. However, despite his early success, being a sole proprietor, Saif lacked investment, which hindered his farming business’ growth. However, being the budding entrepreneur with a knack for spotting an opportunity, Saif got in contact with U Microfinance bank. He utilized “Sunehra Sarmaya Loan” which helped him grow his business while staying on track with repayments. Saif was able to diversify, add animal trading to his repertoire of services alongside the sale of milk, and managed to expand his business into the neighboring areas too. With the much needed and perfectly tailored financial help he got from U Bank’s Loan, Saif now stands as the owner of one of the largest cattle farms in the Chambar area, with his business going from strength to strength. Sunehra Sarmaya Loan

Munir Ahmed Khokhar, a modest man who is a father of five hails from the Dadu district. Munir spent his young years studying hard to earn income for his family; giving tuition classes locally to help make ends meet. He steadily progressed in life, got a government job before starting his own family while continuing to live with his parents. As time passed, his siblings also started their own families, and space in their parent’s home became sparse, as it became evident for him to find a separate home for his family. However, working as a salaried individual, Munir struggled to build up an adequate amount of funds for a new home. He started looking for financing schemes and fortunately for him, he went for U Microfinance Bank’s Home Loan; a government-subsidized project which allows individuals to avail long-term loans with easy to repay payments. Soon after, Munir became the proud owner of his own house, allowing his family to have a space of their own and freeing up some much-needed space at his old home for his parents and siblings. Home Loan - Government Mark-up Subsidy Scheme

Kaleem Ullah had been farming in Paharpur Thal for over 20 years. While his expertise spoke for itself, Kaleem had been using primitive farming methods and lacked access to modern machinery. This had significant consequences on his farming yields and income. However, things started looking up for him when he learnt about U Microfinance Bank's 'Millat Tractor' loan. This product offers tractor & agricultural equipment financing to farmers who would otherwise be unable to make such hefty one-time purchases. Through this loan, not only is Kaleem now a proud owner of his own tractor but has also been able to double his crop yield and improve crop quality. His entrepreneurial foresight has also enabled him to gain an additional revenue stream by renting out his tractor to nearby farms. "Getting my own tractor was a very good decision as I am now able to work on my farm with efficiency and independence." says Kaleem. Today Kaleem is well on his way towards graduating from subsistence to commercial farming, with plans to continue improving his farming practices.

Khalid Parvez Mirza, a resident of Rawalpindi has been a successful businessman for many years. In addition to a profitable tiles business, Khalid also found success within the real estate sector over his career. When Khalid opted to retire in 2016, he decided to use U Bank's deposit account services to support his retirement, while still maintaining a source of earning for himself. U Bank's "Samar Term Deposit Account" has ensured that Khalid is able to manage all his household finances through the monthly profit he earns. Speaking about his experience, Mr. Khalid said, "Not worrying about my monthly income and expenses, and being able to conveniently manage my finances has ensured that I can enjoy my retirement".

Established since 1978, Waljis Travels is a premium travel and tour services provider. Since 2014, the company has been using U Bank's mobile account services via the U Bank Corporate Portal to pay their employees. Regardless of place and time, their drivers can conveniently withdraw their salaries and perform other necessary financial transactions thanks to their UPaisa mobile wallet accounts. Waljis's General Manager Operations & Sales, Imran Haqqani, highlights, "The solution is very beneficial for our drivers and well suited to the nature of their job - as they are able to travel all around the country without losing access to their funds. Furthermore, as an employer, it allows us to digitally manage salary disbursements which streamlines the process and saves us time". Enabling Accessibility

At U Microfinance Bank, we pride ourselves at providing the best in class services to our valued partners. One such partnership is with KFC, which is one of the largest and rapidly growing global fast food chains. U Bank has been providing KFC Pakistan with customized payment solutions across its 90+ restaurants nationwide over the last 3 years. This solution has enabled greater efficiency in the chains' salary disbursement operations by leveraging the UPaisa Mobile Wallet Account. KFC's Regional Head North, Mr. Amjad Mian shares his thoughts, stating "U Bank's services have not only improved our payment solutions and salary disbursement methods but have also led to greater employee satisfaction in our company". A content staff member mirrors these thoughts, stating, "I can easily perform transactions just by a few taps on my phone through my UPaisa account, making my monthly bill payments more convenient". As U Bank continues to leverage the power of technology for customer convenience, KFC plans to grow its relationship with the bank. Customized Payment Solutions

Saima Izfar who hails from Rawalpindi, wanted to fulfill her lifelong dream of founding a school system. The help that she needed arrived in form of a loan from U Microfinance Bank. Before the loan, the financial barriers always acted as a roadblock for Saima. Always passionate about giving back to the society, Saima started “Islamia Model School” five years ago and hasn’t looked back since. What started as a playgroup only institute, has now gone on to include classes up to the eighth grade and made education accessible by charging an affordable fee of 800 Pakistani rupees only. For Saima, this is only the beginning. Her dream is to shift this three-roomed school into a custom made school building that will provide the right environment for her students. This School has become a family endeavor with Saima’s father, Zafar Ali, running an evening school program for students who can’t attend classes in the mornings. Currently Saima is in her fourth loan cycle with U Bank and intends for this banking relationship to grow with her business. Saima Izfar – Rawalpindi

If it hadn’t been for U Bank’s microenterprise loan, Muhammad Shoaib’s entrepreneurial ambitions would never have become a reality. Currently in his third loan cycle with U Bank, Shoaib has been running a Dhabba in Haripur for nearly five years now. While he had all the other ingredients in place, Shoaib had been strapped for cash to use as working capital and purchase the basic equipment and furniture necessary to turn his small restaurant into a success. It was this need that brought Shoaib to U Bank. The sole breadwinner for his household, Shoaib has been able to overcome his financial difficulties and can provide for his family as his business grew with the help of U Bank financing facility. Today, the small dhaba has become a restaurant and has bigger plans for the future Muhammad Shoaib – Haripur

Aziz-un-Nisa who lived in factory quarters in Rawalpindi, decided to set up an in-house snack shop seven years ago. Financial challenges landed her at U Bank’s branch to avail a loan. Now in her fourth loan cycle, Aziz-un-Nisa has been able to grow her business by receiving the right help at the right time. Her decent daily profits allows her to fulfill her dream of affording quality education for her sons. While it was her family’s dire financial circumstances that led Aziz-un-Nisa to become economically active and support her husband in providing for the family, her entrepreneurial ambitions now knows no bound. Her ambition is to venture in to clothing business. Aziz-un-Nisa – Rawalpindi

Zafar Iqbal Bhatti, a resident of Rawalpindi has been the bank’s deposit customer since 2014. Formerly a government employee, Zafar decided to invest his retirement fund with U Bank. His savings account not only brought in a steady income for him but also helped him cover his monthly expenses as well as finance his daughter’s education. Utilizing his earned profits prudently, Zafar has been able to launch and expand a successful construction business. Zafar Iqbal Bhatti – Rawalpindi

Furqan Ali, a resident of Nawabshah has been in the tailoring business for the past 10 years. When he started his shop on Hussaini Road with just a single machine to his name, he faced significant barriers and obstacles in sustaining himself. However, it was four years ago when a representative from U Bank was visiting the market to inform the local businesses about the bank’s loan facility which Furqan saw as a way to realize his decade long dream of expanding his tailoring business. Through his first loan he was able to get an additional two machines and hire more workers. He has now been a U Bank customer for four years and expanded to two work houses, seven sewing machines and has hired a dedicated staff. Through the loans he has not only expanded his existing tailoring business, but also stitches uniforms and provides them all over Nawabshah, For Furqan, the dream isn’t over yet and he wants to re-apply for bigger loan to grow his business. It wasn’t just Furqan’s business that the benefits; due to sustainable growth of his business and revenues, he has gotten himself married and was also able to get two of his siblings married Furqan Ali – Nawabshah

For Musarrat Khursheed, a resident of Dilawar Colony in Bahawalpur for the past 18 years, managing the medical expenditures related to her disability and the growing demands of her stitching business had been limiting her potential. In a household struggling to make ends meet between medical bills, school fees and the basic requirements of running a household, there never seemed to be enough capital for her to grow her business in a sustainable manner. It was at this point that two of her clients, who had already gotten loans from U Bank, encouraged Musarrat to apply for the loan. What started as a simple sewing business has now expanded into a cloth house where customers can buy both stitched, unstitched and embroidered fabrics. Now in her second loan cycle with U Bank, her business has grown to the point where she now owns multiple sewing machines and is engaged in teaching other girls from her community as how to embroider and sew. Her increased revenue has made it possible for her children to go to school, improve the quality of her family’s life and also made sure that she is able to consistently purchase her medication. Musarrat has now been helping her students set-up their own business by not only teaching them the craft but also by extending financial support when she can. She has also encouraged many of them to take loans from U Bank in order to grow and sustain their businesses. Musarrat Khursheed – Bahawalpur

When Saleem first applied to U Bank for a loan, he didn’t have any land. He only had a few animals in a rented pen and struggled financially. It was then that he started inquiring about the loan from a U Bank representative. Through his first loan he was able to buy, feed and later sell additional livestock. Currently in his 4th loan cycle, Saleem has been able to grow his livestock business considerably. He has been able to enroll all three of his children in school. For Saleem what has left the most impact, has been the level of cooperation, guidance and respect he encountered throughout his journey as a U Bank customer. He has gone on to recommend other people in need to the bank as well. Muhammad Saleem – Ahmedpur East

29 year old Bilawal Ali is a carpenter and owned a small furniture shop in  Gujrat. Capital has been a constraint that did not allow him to meet his capacity and produce higher quality products. The daily struggle of feeding his family did not leave any room to make much needed investment in better tools and raw material. A small loan from U Microfinance made all the difference and allowed him to expand his business and produce higher quality product. Bilawal Ali – Gujrat.

Abdullah Ahsan is a 48 year old father of 5 living in Gujranwala. Abduallah owns a motor cycle repair and spare part sale shop since last nine years. Abdullah needed a loan to grow his business. A loan of PKR 40,000/- from U Bank extended the help Abdullah needed to grow his business allowing him not just to serve more customers but also helped him to set up another shop which is now run by his eldest son. One loan has allowed the family to increase its income by many fold. Mehmooda Bibi is a 58 year old, mother of four living in Bhutto colony in the out skirts of Lahore.  Mehmooda has had a tough life but her resilience has helped her overcome dire poverty. Her husband’s income has not been sufficient to feed the family of eight. She ran a home based small business of selling glass bangles, parandas and henna since last few years. The business needed investment to allow her to bring in more products for her customers. The loan from the bank allowed her to bring in new products, resulting in more customers and more income. Abdullah Ahsan – Gujranwala.

Naseem Imran is 35 year old mother of three who lives near Faisal Park Imania Lahore. Naseem has been working for last 10 years and owns a small business of making file covers. She needed investment in her business to buy more sewing machines. Her financial situation did not allow her to make the investment needed to produce high quality products in larger quantities. A PKR 40,000 loan from U Microfinance Bank has allowed her to expand her business and upgrade the product quality enabling her to earn more money. Naseem Imran – Lahore