Amina, daughter of Ghulam Akbar, lives in Asif Nagar, District Kunri Memon, Umerkot in Sindh. As the eldest of six siblings, she always felt responsible for supporting her family. With her father earning PKR. 20,000 a month against expenses of over PKR. 25,000, he often borrowed to survive. Yet, he ensured his children continued their education, and Amina went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree from the local Girls College.

To ease his father’s burden, Amina began teaching at a private school while enrolling in a sewing and stitching course. After five months of training, she started working on an old sewing machine at home. Her work was well received, but without capital, growth remained limited.

That’s when she discovered the Government of Pakistan’s Interest Free Loan Programme, implemented by PPAF through its partner organisation. Approved for PKR. 70,000, she purchased a new sewing machine and bulk material. Soon her tailoring business flourished, and she left teaching to focus entirely on it, even promoting her designs through WhatsApp.

Today, Amina earns Rs. 15,000 monthly, raising the family’s income to nearly Rs. 50,000. She pays instalments on time, saves regularly, and supports her household with pride.

Grateful for the support, Amina says, “The interest free loan gave me the opportunity to stand on my own feet. Receiving the amount at once made it easy to buy materials, and repaying in monthly instalments has never been a problem.