The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in its efforts to augment the development of micro-insurance, which is rapidly growing and benefiting the low-income population of Pakistan, on Friday announced the constitution of a Working Group to recommend the regulatory framework for micro-insurance, in line with best international practices, backed by technology-based solutions and addressing the issues of capacity building of stakeholders.
Led by Nadeem Hussain, President/Chief Executive Officer Tameer Microfinance Bank Limited, this private sector-driven working group has representatives from the Insurance Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Microfinance Network, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, DFID Pakistan and other insurance industry stakeholders. The natural catastrophes, particularly the monsoonal rains resulting in floods, have created havoc across Asia, especially in Pakistan. In 2012, the damage to agricultural land and infrastructure in Pakistan alone was estimated at Rs 250 billion due to floods, which is becoming a major challenge for the government as well as the insurance industry.
The SECP has been working proactively with the stakeholders to promote micro-insurance through various policy reforms and supporting various initiatives. A recently released diagnostic report by the SECP has also been insightful about the demand and supply of micro-insurance in Pakistan. Tahir Ahmed, Chairman, Insurance Association of Pakistan, said the development of infrastructure and rightly designed products are crucial for the success of micro-insurance in Pakistan.-PR