Islamabad, Apr 3, 2025: BankIslami has inaugurated its first fully female-managed branch in Karachi, marking a significant step toward promoting gender inclusivity in the workplace.
This branch, which is entirely operated by women, aims to empower females as both professionals and clients within Pakistan’s banking sector.
The launch aligns with the Bank’s core mission of “Saving Humanity from Riba,” emphasizing ethical, inclusive financial practices nationwide.
In Pakistan, women’s participation in the workforce stands at only 21%, significantly below the global average.
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BankIslami’s initiative seeks to provide opportunities and break down barriers in an industry traditionally underrepresented by women.
“This initiative is about more than just business,” stated Rizwan Ata, CEO and President. “It’s about creating a future where women are fully represented in the workforce, empowered to lead and succeed. Inclusivity is not a choice; it is a necessity.”
This groundbreaking initiative is supported by the Asian Development Bank’s Women’s Finance Exchange (gWFX), which is offering gender-sensitivity training to BankIslami’s staff to help bring this vision to fruition.
Zulfiqar Lehri, Group Head of Retail Banking, shared: “Through this initiative, we are empowering our female staff by offering meaningful job opportunities, while also delivering a genuinely inclusive banking experience to our clients. We are setting a new standard for gender diversity in the industry.
” BankIslami’s commitment to its “Saving Humanity from Riba” mission is reflected in its various products and services.
As part of this effort, the Mashal Women Banking program offers customized financial solutions, including the Mashal Asaan Account, which simplifies account opening and provides perks such as free cheque books and discounted debit card fees.
The Mashal Savings Account offers competitive profit rates with added benefits like free debit cards and health coverage for critical illnesses.
For female entrepreneurs, the Mashal Business Finance product provides low-interest financing under the SBP-subsidized scheme.
With the launch of its all-women branch, BankIslami is reaffirming its commitment to supporting women and fostering a fair, ethical financial system.
However, this milestone represents a key moment in the bank’s mission to redefine inclusivity within Pakistan’s financial landscape.
