Islamabad, October 27, 2025: The United States Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, Ms. Natalie A. Baker, visited the Head Office of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in Islamabad, where she was warmly received by the bank’s President and CEO, Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti.
During the meeting, Mr. Bhatti briefed the U.S. envoy on ZTBL’s vision, operations, and strategic initiatives to promote agricultural and rural development across Pakistan. He emphasized ZTBL’s role as the country’s leading specialized financial institution dedicated to serving the agriculture sector for over seven decades.
Highlighting ZTBL’s extensive outreach, Mr. Bhatti noted that the bank operates 501 branches, more than 90% of which are located in rural, underserved, and unbanked areas. “ZTBL continues to drive financial inclusion and literacy among farmers, ensuring access to modern banking and advisory services,” he said.
A video presentation showcased key initiatives such as ZTBL Zarai Baithaks and Mobile Van Services, which extend banking facilities directly to remote farming communities. Mr. Bhatti also briefed Ms. Baker on the bank’s collaborations with academia and research institutions to enhance productivity and promote the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
The discussion also covered ZTBL’s ongoing digital transformation, including the launch of internet, WhatsApp, and mobile banking services designed to help farmers with loan payments, settlements, and real-time access to information. Mr. Bhatti further underlined efforts to integrate agri-service providers into ZTBL’s ecosystem to improve smallholders’ access to quality inputs and support services.
Ms. Baker commended ZTBL’s contributions to empowering small farmers and strengthening Pakistan’s agriculture-driven economy. She noted that several American businesses are actively investing in Pakistan’s agriculture and food sectors.
Both sides exchanged views on food security and the growing pressures on the agriculture sector. Ms. Baker reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts toward building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.
Mr. Bhatti expressed ZTBL’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote productivity, financial inclusion, and long-term food security. The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to explore future avenues of cooperation for the benefit of Pakistan’s farming communities and to encourage U.S. investment in the agriculture sector.
