Mrs. Aqeela Bibi, widow of Mr. Muhammad Murtaza, faced immense hardship after her husband’s passing three years ago. Left to support four daughters and one son, she lost the family’s only source of income, as her late husband had earned a living by making and selling barfi and other traditional sweets.

Determined to secure a better future for her children, Aqeela revived her husband’s business. However, without savings or working capital, she initially earned only PKR 7,000–10,000 per month—barely enough to meet household needs.

Her circumstances began to change when she learned about CEIP’s Interest-Free Loan (IFL) Program. Through its simple and accessible process, she received her first interest-free loan of PKR 25,000, which she invested in raw materials to restart and expand the family business.

Aqeela began supplying barfi and traditional sweets to local shopkeepers. As demand grew, so did her income and confidence. She was able to meet household expenses, send her children back to school, and repay her installments on time.

Recognizing her commitment and successful repayment history, CEIP provided a second loan of PKR 30,000, followed by her current loan of PKR 100,000 to further expand the business. She also purchased an electric scooty, enabling her to personally deliver sweets to shopkeepers across Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding villages. This improved her mobility, expanded her customer network, and strengthened her business.

Today, Aqeela earns approximately PKR 40,000 per month. Her business has restored financial stability to her household, enabled her to support her children with dignity, and allowed her to carry forward her late husband’s legacy.

“After my husband’s passing, I feared I would not be able to provide for my children. CEIP gave me more than an interest-free loan—it gave me the confidence to stand on my own feet. Today, I run my husband’s business with pride, my children are back in school, and I am able to support my family with dignity. I pray that many more deserving women receive the same opportunity to transform their lives.”