A nationwide competition has been launched to promote financial literacy, disciplined saving and Shariah-compliant investment practices among female university students, faculty members and staff.
The initiative, titled “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments,” is a joint effort by Iqra University’s Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF) and ZLK Islamic Financial Services.
It aims to provide participants with practical investment experience through financial education sessions, digital investment platforms, real-time market data and guided learning.
The competition will help participants develop financial awareness, build saving habits, make informed investment choices and understand responsible wealth creation, while encouraging women’s participation in the financial sector.
The launch ceremony took place at Iqra University, with Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain, as chief guest.
Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), attended as guest of honour.
During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed involving IU CEIF, AAOIFI, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and ICEI to promote international cooperation in Islamic finance, financial technology and capacity building.
The initiative’s strategic partners include AAOIFI, UNIDO, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), SECP, Meezan Bank Limited, the Central Depository Company (CDC) and Al Meezan Investment Management Limited.
In his welcome address, IU CEIF Honorary Director M. Farhan-ul-Haq Usmani highlighted the centre’s efforts to advance Islamic financial technology, promote financial inclusion and strengthen professional capabilities.
Imaan Hunaid Lakhani described the competition as a milestone in Iqra University’s efforts to enhance teaching, research, industry engagement and its international outlook.
Iqra University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nassar Ikram said the initiative would give women a reliable platform to apply ethical principles to investment decisions and prepare for leadership roles in the financial sector.
Dr Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion, emphasised the contribution of entrepreneurship, technology, investment knowledge and institutional partnerships to women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.
SECP Commissioner Imtiaz Haider highlighted the need to strengthen investor education and financial awareness while encouraging more women to participate in regulated financial markets.
Meezan Bank President and IU CEIF Co-Patron Dr Syed Amir Ali stressed the importance of innovation, education and collaboration in developing Pakistan’s Islamic financial sector and expanding access to financial services.
Chief guest Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa underscored the significance of ethical and Shariah-compliant financial practices, noting the role of knowledge, innovation and institutional cooperation in creating greater opportunities for women.
The three highest-performing teams will receive prizes from IU CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners.