smeda showcases msme
|

SMEDA showcases MSME support services at ‘Expo Faisalabad 2026’

LAHORE – Building on the success of its flagship “Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026” and its facilitation for entrepreneurs during the “Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2026”, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has further strengthened its engagement with Pakistan’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its participation in Expo Faisalabad 2026.
The three-day expo, being organized by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), began at the Expo Center, Lahore on Friday.

As a collaborative partner of the exhibition, SMEDA has established a dedicated helpdesk to facilitate entrepreneurs and visitors by providing information on the flagship initiatives, advisory services and enterprise development programmes. The helpdesk aims to promote business formalization by encouraging informal enterprises to register free of cost through the SME Registration Portal (SMERP).

In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth said SMEDA, in line with honorable Prime Minister Shehhbaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive economic growth, remains committed to creating opportunities that enable Pakistani MSMEs to innovate, formalize and expand their businesses.

“SMEDA believes that exhibitions such as Expo Faisalabad 2026 are more than just business showcases – they are platforms for collaboration, learning and market access. By partnering with the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with practical business support, encourage enterprise formalization and equip MSMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to compete in today’s evolving marketplace,” she said.

She said SMEDA’s participation reflects the Authority’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by engaging directly with businesses through exhibitions, outreach programmes and capacity-building initiatives across the country.

“Following the overwhelming response to the Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026 and our successful facilitation of entrepreneurs at the Made in Gujranwala Exhibition, we are pleased to continue this journey of empowering MSMEs through another important business platform. Our objective is to ensure that enterprises, particularly small and emerging businesses, have greater access to information, markets, networks and government support services,” said Ms Seth.

To enhance the knowledge and competitiveness of participating enterprises, SMEDA is conducting sessions on “Marketing Strategies for SMEs” and “Improving Product Quality for Export Markets.”

Recognized as Pakistan’s textile capital, Faisalabad offers immense opportunities for enterprise development, innovation and investment. Through its collaboration with FCCI, SMEDA aims to help participating MSMEs leverage these opportunities, strengthen business linkages and improve their long-term competitiveness.

SMEDA invites entrepreneurs, startups, exporters and business owners visiting Expo Faisalabad 2026 to visit its helpdesk over three days to take advantage of its business advisory services, free enterprise registration through SMERP and expert-led training sessions designed to support sustainable business growth.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N after strong AJK el…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership and its supporters after the party emerged with a clear lead in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement on Tuesday, the prime minister described the successful completion of the first phase as a positive development for the democratic process and praised voters and political parties for their participation. Shehbaz Sharif said political parties took part in the elections with enthusiasm, calling their active participation an important sign that the democratic process had been carried out successfully. Praise for PML-N campaign Congratulating the PML-N on its performance, the prime minister credited the party’s leadership and election team for what he described as a highly successful campaign in AJK. He particularly praised PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, saying the party’s campaign had been conducted under his leadership and had succeeded in gaining a clear advantage during the first phase of voting. The prime minister’s remarks came as attention remained focused on the election results and the political direction emerging from the initial phase. PM urges voters to maintain enthusiasm Shehbaz Sharif also called on people to participate in the next phase of the electoral process with the same enthusiasm. He said continued public participation would help strengthen and complete the democratic process, stressing that voters’ engagement remained central to the success of elections. The prime minister’s statement also highlighted the importance of political competition and participation in AJK, where elections are closely watched because of the region’s political and constitutional significance. The first phase of polling saw political parties compete for public support while voters exercised their right to choose their representatives. For the PML-N, the reported lead provides an important political boost and could shape momentum heading into the next stage of the elections. With the second phase still ahead, the focus is now expected to shift toward voter turnout, campaign strategies and whether the PML-N can maintain its advantage. The final electoral picture will depend on the results of all phases, but the opening round has already provided a significant political moment for the ruling party. Unofficial and Unconfirmed Results LA-1 Mirpur-1 According to the results from all 139 polling stations in LA-1 Mirpur-1, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Azhar Sadiq was declared the winner after securing 15,427 votes, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid came second with 9,832 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-2 After results from all 149 polling stations were completed, PPP’s Qasim Majid won the constituency with 12,904 votes, while PML-N candidate Azim Bakhsh Chaudhry secured 8,182 votes. LA-3 Mirpur-3 The PPP also won LA-3 Mirpur-3. According to results from all 161 polling stations, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan secured 11,676 votes to win, while PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed received 9,832 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-4 With results from all 162 polling stations completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed won with 20,172 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad came second with 13,865 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-1 PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor won LA-5 with 30,259 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Pervez Ashraf secured 29,574 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-2 According to results from 100 of the 195 polling stations, PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq was maintaining his lead with 21,210 votes, while Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry was second with 11,354 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-3 After results from all 237 polling stations were completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Tariq Farooq was declared the winner with 35,490 votes, while independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq came second with 25,100 votes. LA-8 Kotli-1 According to unofficial results from all 155 polling stations, PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik won with 19,535 votes, while PML-N’s Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan secured 11,966 votes. LA-9 Kotli-2 With results from all 178 polling stations completed, PML-N candidate Umair Naeem won with 31,080 votes, while PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi received 28,509 votes. LA-10 Kotli-3 According to results from all 169 polling stations, PPP’s Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin won with 12,431 votes, while PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan came second with 9,245 votes. LA-11 Kotli-4 PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif won LA-11 Kotli-4 with 26,190 votes, according to results from all 206 polling stations. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq secured 21,751 votes and finished second. LA-12 Kotli-5 Unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 207 polling stations showed PML-N candidate Muhammad Riasat Khan winning with 35,168 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin came second with 30,320 votes. LA-13 Kotli-6 After results from all 193 polling stations were completed, PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan won with 21,856 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Nisar Ansar Abdali finished second with 15,859 votes. Maryam Aurangzeb’s Statement on X Punjab Senior Minister and PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb wrote on social media platform X that Mirpur had already announced its decision in favour of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif when they visited the city on July 24, and that voters had now formally endorsed that decision by voting for the lion, PML-N’s electoral symbol. She said the people of Muzaffarabad had also already expressed their decision on July 21, adding that on August 2, Kashmiris would formally reaffirm their decision by voting for the lion. Maryam Aurangzeb concluded her statement by saying that, God willing, the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is linked with PML-N.

  • Senate seeks 16-year oil and gas profit record

    Islamabad: A Senate committee has raised serious questions over the distribution of billions of rupees generated from Pakistan’s oil and gas resources, demanding a complete financial breakdown of profits earned by oil and gas companies over the last 16 years. The Sub Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution directed authorities to provide a clear record of revenues and prepare a plan to ensure provinces receive their constitutional share from natural resources. The committee reviewed the implementation of Article 38(g) of the Constitution and examined whether provinces were receiving proper representation in federal institutions and a fair share from national resources. During the discussion on oil and gas revenues, the committee sought details of profits earned by oil and gas companies during the past 16 years. Officials were directed to verify and finalize the figures and prepare a proposal for the distribution of funds. Officials from the Petroleum Division informed the committee about the existing 50:50 revenue sharing system between the federal government and provinces. They explained that revenues generated from natural resources contribute to the national treasury through non tax income. However, the committee stressed that natural resources belong to the people and called for stronger transparency mechanisms to ensure that provinces receive their rightful share without unnecessary delays. Chairman Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro directed authorities to introduce necessary legal and administrative improvements to strengthen the system of revenue distribution and prevent unequal treatment of provinces. The committee also focused on provincial employment representation in federal ministries and government linked corporate boards. The chairman expressed concern that constitutional provincial quotas were not being implemented effectively in some areas. He directed the Establishment Division to remove gaps in recruitment procedures and ensure that people from less developed and rural areas receive their due opportunities. The committee ordered officials to identify provinces facing representation shortages and take immediate steps to correct the imbalance. Officials were directed to submit a detailed compliance report in the next meeting, showing progress on both employment representation and natural resource revenue distribution.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz orders urgent flood relief nationwide

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to intensify relief efforts and ensure maximum assistance for people affected by ongoing monsoon rains and floods. The prime minister issued the instructions during a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik in Islamabad on Saturday. He ordered authorities to utilise all available resources to support flood-hit communities and provide immediate relief to those facing difficult conditions. Shehbaz also stressed close coordination between the NDMA, provincial governments and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to ensure relief operations remain effective and reach affected populations without delay. During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the latest weather conditions and the flood situation resulting from heavy monsoon rainfall. He also provided an update on relief operations and ongoing measures to rehabilitate people displaced or affected by the flooding. According to the briefing, federal authorities are supporting relief activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Rescue and assistance operations in these areas will continue with the cooperation of the federal government. The prime minister also praised the NDMA’s use of artificial intelligence and modern technology at the National Emergencies Operation Centre, saying advanced systems could strengthen disaster monitoring and response. The latest figures show the growing impact of monsoon-related incidents across the country. The NDMA reported that at least 155 people have died and 460 others have been injured in rain-related incidents between June 26 and August 14. Pakistan’s monsoon season generally lasts from June to September and plays an important role in replenishing water resources. However, intense rainfall can also cause flash floods, river flooding, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable communities. The situation could remain challenging in the coming days. The Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of possible high-level flooding in storm-water channels connected to the Chenab and Ravi rivers between August 15 and 21 as water levels continue to rise.

  • | | |

    Wheat imports spark farmer anger

    The federal government’s decision to import one million tonnes of wheat has sparked strong criticism from farmers and agricultural experts. The move has raised concerns about Pakistan’s food policy and the country’s continued dependence on imported grain despite being a major wheat producer. Pakistan produces around 31 million tonnes of wheat annually. The crop covers nearly 40 per cent of the country’s cultivated area and remains a major part of the daily diet of millions of people. Punjab is the country’s largest wheat-producing province and contributes almost three-fourths of national production. Farmers and experts say the issue is not simply about wheat availability. They believe repeated imports are linked to weak planning, inaccurate crop estimates, poor storage facilities, post-harvest losses and inconsistent government policies. Population growth and changing weather patterns have also increased pressure on the wheat supply chain. Farmer organisations have strongly opposed the import decision. They say local growers are still struggling to sell their recently harvested wheat. Many farmers claim they are receiving prices below their production costs after spending heavily on seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, diesel and electricity. Growers fear that imported wheat could further reduce local prices. They argue that the government should first ensure that locally produced wheat is purchased at fair rates before turning to international markets. The controversy has also highlighted changes in Pakistan’s wheat procurement system. Under wider economic reforms linked to the International Monetary Fund programme, successive governments have reduced state intervention in agricultural markets. The aim is to limit government losses and encourage greater private-sector participation. The IMF has not directly ordered Pakistan to stop purchasing wheat from farmers. However, governments have moved away from the traditional procurement and support price system. Provincial authorities have also reduced wheat purchases, leaving farmers increasingly dependent on private traders. Farmers say the transition has not been properly managed. They argue that private buyers now have greater influence over prices because of weak market regulation. This has forced some growers to sell their wheat below production costs.

  • | |

    PMDC issues advisory for Afghan medical students

    The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued an advisory for Pakistani students pursuing or planning to pursue medical and dental education in Afghanistan, warning that graduates from Afghan institutions will not be eligible to practise medicine in Pakistan. According to the advisory, medical and dental graduates from Afghanistan will not be able to obtain registration with the PMDC, making them ineligible to work as licensed healthcare professionals in the country. The council stated that medical institutions in Afghanistan are not included in the recognised list of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). As a result, graduates from these institutions will also be barred from appearing in Pakistan’s National Registration Examination (NRE), a mandatory requirement for obtaining a medical licence. PMDC advised Pakistani students to carefully verify whether a foreign medical institution is recognised by the ECFMG before seeking admission. The council stressed that enrolling in an unrecognised institution could prevent graduates from securing professional registration and practising medicine in Pakistan. The advisory aims to help students make informed decisions about pursuing medical education abroad and to avoid academic and professional complications after graduation. PMDC urged aspiring medical students to ensure that any foreign institution they choose meets internationally recognised accreditation standards before finalising their admissions.

  • | |

    Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defe…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself under international law. Islamabad stated that Saudi Arabia’s military response in Iraq should be viewed within the framework of legitimate self-defence. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Article 51 of the United Nations Charter grants states the inherent right to take necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and security against armed attacks. He said Saudi Arabia’s actions should be understood in that legal context. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of regional tensions. Andrabi also said Pakistan supports the effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the United States and Iran, adding that diplomatic efforts are continuing to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue among the concerned parties. During the briefing, he welcomed the ratification of a defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral ties. He noted that Pakistan also maintains close defence cooperation with Jordan and Bahrain and continues to expand collaboration in multiple sectors. He added that if any new defence agreements are finalised with Jordan or Bahrain in the future, the government will inform the public and the media at the appropriate time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *