ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Iqra University have launched a two-month investment competition to promote financial literacy and encourage women’s participation in Shariah-compliant investment opportunities across Pakistan.
The initiative, titled “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments,” is open to female university students, faculty members and staff from universities nationwide. It aims to equip participants with practical investment knowledge, responsible saving habits and the skills needed to make informed financial decisions.
The competition provides hands-on learning opportunities through financial literacy sessions, digital investment tools, real-time market information and guided investment activities. Organisers hope the programme will help women understand ethical investment practices and develop confidence in managing their finances.
The launch ceremony was attended by Imtiaz Haider, commissioner of the SECP, and Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), who served as the chief guest.
The initiative also reflects broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s Islamic finance sector through collaboration between regulators, educational institutions and financial organisations.
According to the SECP, women accounted for 59% of borrowers at non-banking finance companies and 82% of microfinance borrowers as of June 30, 2026. During the 2025–26 fiscal year, women received Rs236.2 billion in loans through non-banking microfinance.
The regulator has also supported initiatives aimed at improving women’s access to financial services, including digital financing products and simplified account-opening procedures.
The top three performing teams in the competition will receive prizes from Iqra University’s Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners.
The programme seeks to expand women’s financial knowledge and encourage greater participation in ethical investment and wealth creation.
