Promoting financial literacy, ethical investment practices, and women’s financial empowerment, Iqra University formally launched “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments,” a nationwide Islamic investment competition on October 22, 2026. Organized by the Iqra University Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF), in collaboration with ZLK Islamic Financial Services, the initiative aims to equip female university students, faculty, and staff across Pakistan with practical knowledge of responsible saving and Shariah-compliant investments.
The competition brings together leading national and international institutions, creating opportunities for participants to develop financial confidence through practical learning, digital investment tools, and guided investment activities.
Bringing Together National and International Partners
The launching ceremony was graced by Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as Guest of Honour.
A significant highlight of the occasion was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IU CEIF, AAOIFI, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and ICEI to strengthen institutional collaboration in Islamic finance, financial technology, and capacity building.
The initiative also brought together strategic partners, including the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Meezan Bank Limited, Central Depository Company (CDC), and Al Meezan Investment Management Limited, reflecting a shared commitment to financial inclusion and ethical investment education.
Advancing Financial Literacy and Women’s Empowerment
The ceremony featured addresses by distinguished representatives from academia, regulatory institutions, and the financial sector.
Mr. M. Farhan-Ul-Haq Usmani, Honorary Director, IU CEIF, highlighted the Centre’s commitment to advancing Islamic FinTech and financial inclusion, while Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani reflected on Iqra University’s growing international recognition and commitment to academic excellence.
Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor, Iqra University, emphasized the importance of connecting academic institutions, regulators, and industry partners to empower women through informed financial decision-making.
Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion; Mr. Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner, SECP; and Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President, Meezan Bank Limited and Co-Patron of IU CEIF, shared perspectives on entrepreneurship, investor education, innovation, and financial inclusion.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa highlighted the importance of ethical financial practices, institutional cooperation, and expanding women’s participation in the financial sector.
Creating Opportunities Through Ethical Investment
Unlike conventional academic competitions, “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments” offers participants hands-on exposure to Shariah-compliant investment practices through financial literacy sessions, real-time market information, digital investment tools, and guided learning activities.
The competition encourages participants to progress from financial awareness and responsible saving habits to informed investment decisions and sustainable wealth creation. The top three performing teams will receive prizes from IU CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services, and other strategic partners.
Through this initiative, Iqra University continues to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and international institutions while creating meaningful opportunities for women’s financial education, empowerment, and participation in the evolving Islamic financial ecosystem.
