Pakistan's Financial Inclusion Index rose to 59.5 in 2025 from 58.1 in 2024, the State Bank of Pakistan said. The central bank released the annual result on 7 October. The 1.4-point increase indicates broader access to, use of and quality in formal financial services.
The SBP said growth in the usage sub-index made the largest contribution, followed by access and quality. It cited Raast merchant onboarding, development of the payments ecosystem, digital-bank introductions and account-opening drives as important factors. Consumer orientation and financial-literacy work also supported the result.
USAGE DROVE THE YEARLY IMPROVEMENT
The index combines evidence from banking, non-bank finance and payment services rather than relying only on account ownership. Its framework uses 69 indicators covering infrastructure, product use and the quality of financial services.
The score is intended to give policymakers an annual measure of where inclusion is improving and where gaps remain. Separating access, usage and quality is important because opening an account does not by itself demonstrate frequent use or satisfactory service.
INDEX SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL STRATEGY
The measure forms part of Pakistan's National Financial Inclusion Strategy for 2024 to 2028. That programme prioritises digital access, women's financial empowerment, responsible finance and financial services for underserved groups.
The next annual index will show whether the usage-led gain is sustained and whether quality improves at the same pace. Further SBP releases should also clarify which underlying indicators account for the largest changes across customer groups and regions.