HBL contributes over four billion rupees to the social uplift of Pakistan

Karachi, Pakistan, 17 July 2023 - HBL has contributed over Rs 4 billion – spread over a decade – for the social uplift of Pakistan. In 2022 alone, the Bank contributed over Rs 580 million (over $7 million). This contribution is a testament to HBL's commitment to being “More Than Just a Bank”, making a real difference in the communities it serves. HBL shared this information at an event to mark the launch of its Impact & Sustainability Report – 2022 in Karachi.

In pursuance of HBL’s commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and community development, the Bank is pledged to reducing its own emissions; expanding its green banking portfolio; expanding its customer base to over 34 million, including four million women; and contributing to the communities in which it operates by supporting health care, education, arts, and social development initiatives through the HBL Foundation.

Upholding AKDN’s ethos, HBL’s good governance and corporate social responsibility is not confined to charitable giving, but also directed at conducting our daily business and living our daily lives with constant care for our physical and social environments. The HBL Microfinance Bank has contributed tremendously to ensuring that we are the single largest provider of microfinance and SME services in Pakistan. As the country’s largest banking group, we can foster positive change by example, leading with our walk as well as our talk.

Our unwavering commitment to sustainability is enabling us to play a leading role in developing the agricultural sector and promoting food security through investing in relevant learning and infrastructure.

Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman of HBL, commented, “Last year in our review, we emphasised the urgent need to reflect on sustainability challenges in the future. This year, we lived in that future as unprecedented flooding devastated the country. We must come together and commit to positive action if we are to leave a functional planet for future generations.

“Our priority remains consistent: to innovate and provide solutions that support growth and improve quality of life for our employees, those we serve, and the people of Pakistan.”

Read HBL’s Impact and Sustainability Report – 2022

Highlights of the Impact and Sustainability Report 2022

• As part of HBL’s Development Finance initiative, the Bank has completed 17 pilot projects, supporting 550 farmers through in-kind financing for crops spanning over 45,000 crop acres.

• HBL has developed its own green taxonomy, which will facilitate directing capital flows to green projects.

• With a 27 percent increase in funding, HBL Foundation has deepened its contribution across key areas of need, ranging from health to education.
  
  
• HBL is following the path that has been defined by the AKDN Environment and Climate Change Commitment, envisaging a net zero goal by 2030.

• HBL’s sustained effort to steadily improve its gender ratio (from three percent in 2004 to 22 percent in 2022) was recognised at the 2022 GDEIB Awards with the “Most Inclusive Organization” award.

• HBL partnered with the Government of Pakistan and the National Disaster Management Authority to assist flood-affected families through the Benazir Income Support Programme and disbursed Rs 54 billion ($658 million) in relief to flood affectees.

• HBL has funded the building of two purpose-built villages, comprising 100 homes each in Qamber Shahdadkot and Larkana in Sindh. The cost of these solar panel-equipped refabricated villages is over Rs 264 million ($3.2 million).

• In a significant move aimed at supporting its experienced workforce and promoting job security, HBL extended its staff service age from 60 to 65 years in 2022.