Aasra Microfinance offers Shariah equity investment opportunities

Aasra Microfinance is offering two tiers of Shariah investment opportunities – as either equity participation or collaboration deals – in its effort to raise capital funding, which will be used to aid female entrepreneurs in the southern Punjab region of Pakistan.

The equity investment portion is ongoing, with four confirmed commitments so far, COO Muhammad Amir shared with IFN Investor. Having the entry point set at a minimum of PKR5 million (US$17,743), Aasra targets at least PKR50 million (US$177,426) for its shareholding.

This shareholding target will qualify Aasra Microfinance, established by the Aasra for Humanity Network, to start microfinancing operations, under the terms of the license recently approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, explained Muhammad.

Aasra Microfinance, anticipated to start operations in January 2026, aims to eventually increase its shareholding past PKR500 million (US$1.77 million).

For this venture, Aasra Microfinance is registered as a publicly-incorporated company limited by shares – where the initial shareholders will also be directors, Muhammad said. These shareholders will have their investments locked in for a minimum five-year period – with right of first refusal to existing shareholders.

Thereafter, Aasra plans to raise up to PKR1.5 billion (US$5.32 million) over the next five years to fund its microfinancing operations. These investment opportunities will be in the form of collaborative deals with institutions and affluent individuals in Pakistan and abroad.

“We are not just offering an investment product. We are inviting investors to become part of a movement, to transform families, uplift communities and build prosperity that is both ethical and sustainable.”

Aasra’s existing programs already center heavily on women-led microbusinesses: home-based producers, tailors, artisans, food sellers and agricultural workers. 

For both equity and collaborative investors, Aasra envisions returns of 6-8% annually – with its client base projected to surpass 100,000 women by 2030. The asset-backed financing will range from PKR40,000 (US$141.72) to PKR85,000 (US$301.39), with markup rates between 24% and 32%.