KARACHI: BankIslami has inaugurated its first fully women-managed branch in Karachi, marking a significant step toward gender inclusivity in Pakistan’s financial sector. The branch, operated entirely by female employees, is designed to empower women both as professionals and customers.
The initiative aligns with BankIslami’s vision of “Saving Humanity from Riba,” reinforcing its commitment to ethical and inclusive banking practices nationwide. Pakistan’s female workforce participation remains low at just 21 percent, significantly below the global average. With this move, BankIslami aims to break barriers and create opportunities for women in an industry that has historically underserved them.
Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan Ata, CEO and President of BankIslami, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “It’s about creating a future where women are fully represented in the workforce and have the chance to lead and thrive. Inclusivity isn’t optional; it is essential.”
The initiative is backed by the Asian Development Bank’s Women’s Finance Exchange (gWFX), which is providing gender sensitivity training to BankIslami staff to support the implementation of this vision.
Zulfiqar Lehri, Group Head of Retail Banking at BankIslami, highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, stating, “With this initiative, BankIslami is not only empowering female employees by providing them with job opportunities but also offering customers a truly inclusive banking experience.”
This pioneering effort underscores BankIslami’s dedication to fostering an equitable financial ecosystem and paving the way for greater women’s participation in the workforce.
