Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel
President/CEO
Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd. (ZTBL)
The President/CEO of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd. (ZTBL) share the mission of and vision of the bank, which is aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape in the country.
The Economic Affairs: What is the significance of ZTBL compared to other organizations with reference to Diamond Jubilee Independence anniversary of Pakistan?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: ZTBL was established in 1961 which means we are just 14 years younger than Pakistan. This is the significance that we share with Independence Day. Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and ZTBL is the leader in providing agriculture loan to maximum farmers in Pakistan.
The Economic Affairs: Despite economic and political challenges faced by Pakistan, would you like to tell us the success story of ZTBL since its inception in 1961.
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: As I told that agriculture is our backbone, therefore, the primary objective of ZTBL is to make agriculture successful in the country. Since its inception we have distributed more than 600 thousand tractors besides providing Rs1,588,006.40 billion as agriculture loans to 13, 255,189 borrowers/farmers. The success story of ZTBL is that it is the only profit making state-owned enterprise.
The Economic Affairs: Please highlight major achievements made and challenges faced by ZTBL.
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: I can proudly say that we have come out of the phase of challenges and we have more achievements on our chart than challenges. Just imagine that ZTBL is the only bank that can be found serving farmers in areas where no other commercial bank exists. We operate in far-flung areas of the country through our 501 branches and 31 zones. Our unique achievement is that we are the only SOE that is in profit in the country. We are the only bank that welcome the poorest farmer and provide him/her loan and technology. We are the only bank that cater to the demand of 78 farmers while the rest of farmers are served by the rest of commercial banks. We are unique and we have delivered. Yes, there are some challenges. We are short of manpower and liquidity. But as I said, we have delivered in the hardest times.
The Economic Affairs: Sir, being the largest bank, what has been the contribution of ZTBL in services sector and the economy as well?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: As we know that the entire commercial industry is dependent on the provision of raw materials from the agriculture sector, therefore, ZTBL supports the industry not only for agro economy but for national economy as well. In simple, anything you see in Pakistan, you will see ZTBL’s contribution in it. For example, the dishes served in five star hotels in Pakistan has the taste of toil of a poor farmer supported and financed by ZTBL.
The Economic Affairs: What role ZTBL is playing in Pakistan’s economy by contributing to government’s revenue and providing employment particularly maintaining gender balance.
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: ZTBL believes in gender balance and we are the only bank who has elevated women to the positions of zonal chiefs, managers and special recovery teams. We contribute to national kitty in form of taxes on profits which are in billions annually. We have provided jobs to thousands of families and this employment opportunity is replicated in shape of hiring new professionals.
The Economic Affairs: In providing employment and human resource development, Sir would you like to share the growth of ZTBL in terms of deposits, branches loans, and banking infrastructure?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: Our outstanding portfolio is Rs170 billion and the great distinction is that we are dealing with 78 percent of subsistent landholding farmers. We have state-of-the-art 501 BRANCHES, 31 zones across the country and the pride is that most of the branches are working in areas where no other commercial bank exists for provision of banking facility to low income generation strata.
The Economic Affairs: Sir what steps ZTBL has taken for the financial inclusion of poor, rural and women population of the country? What is ZTBL’s future plan for improving economy?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: This is a good questions and it is easier to respond to it. ZTBL is the bank of poor operating in far-flung areas and off course our women population. We have entrusted responsibility on our women manpower in the bank and the result is outstanding. We have launched schemes for poor farmers and again the result is outstanding. As we know that food security is a big challenge therefore, ZTBL is cognizant of the reality and we have enhanced portfolio.
The Economic Affairs: We have heard that you were offered jobs in foreign countries but you chose Pakistan for the job. What is the reason?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: In Pakistan, trained professionals usually prefer to settle abroad but my opinion is different. I think Pakistan needs trained professionals more than any other country. I chose Pakistan for delivering my skills and Alhamdulellah, ZTBL, that was considered as a white elephant is now in profit. We proudly say that ZTBL is now a profit-making bank from loss making state owned enterprise.
The Economic Affairs: ZTBL has initiated Zarai Bethak. What is the purpose of the exercise?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: This was the idea of our able board member Mr. Zaigham Rizvi who opined that ZTBL management should hold public gatherings by inviting farmers of the particular area. This practice helped us a lot. We interacted directly with the farmers and listened to their problems. We knew what farmers actually need. We have held Zarai Bethaks in all provinces including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan region. I have personally chaired Zarai Bethaks and this is for the first time that President ZTBL has directly came in touch with our farmers.
The Economic Affairs: Do you think that the federal government is serious in reforming agriculture sector?
Muhammad Shahbaz Jameel: Yes. The federal government under Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif is serious in introducing modern agriculture and for this, the farmers are the top priority to get modern agriculture tools. We have launched Austrolorp chicken, Biofloc Fish Farming and rice tranplanters for greater yields.
Pakistan Rupee Exchange Rate