The Iqra University Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF), in collaboration with ZLK Islamic Financial Services, formally launched “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments” as a nationwide Islamic investment competition designed to promote financial literacy, responsible saving habits, Shariah-compliant investments and financial empowerment among female university students, faculty and staff across Pakistan.
Unlike conventional academic competitions, “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments” gives participants hands-on exposure to Shariah-compliant investment practices through financial literacy sessions, digital investment tools, real-time market information, and guided learning activities.
Introducing the competition, he emphasized its unique approach: a practical learning journey that begins with financial awareness and building saving habits, then moves to informed investment decisions, responsible wealth creation, and greater access to financial opportunities.
IU CEIF, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and ICEI signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen international institutional collaboration in Islamic finance, financial technology, capacity building, and related initiatives.
The initiative brings together prominent national and international organizations as strategic partners, including AAOIFI, UNIDO, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), SECP, Meezan Bank Limited, CDC and Al Meezan Investment Management Limited.
In this regard, Iqra University held a ceremony with Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of AAOIFI, Bahrain, as chief guest, and Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as guest of honour.
In his welcome address, M. Farhan-Ul-Haq Usmani, Honorary Director, IU CEIF, highlighted the Centre’s commitment to advancing Islamic financial technology, financial inclusion and capacity building.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani said, “Iqra University is ranked amongst the top 1000 universities of the world by Times Higher Education (THE), alongside many global institutions. This ranking and today’s launch of the competition are milestones on the path of establishing an institution that provides world-class teaching, research, industrial engagement and an international outlook.”
Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor, Iqra University, shared his views and emphasised that by uniting regulators, global institutions and industry, this MoU and competition gives women students a trusted platform to turn ethical principles into confident investment decisions and future financial leadership.
Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion, delivered a keynote address highlighting the significance of entrepreneurship, technology, investment knowledge and institutional partnerships in promoting women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner, SECP, highlighted the importance of investor education, financial awareness and women’s participation in regulated financial markets.
Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President, Meezan Bank Limited and Co-Patron of IU CEIF, shared his vision for strengthening the Islamic financial ecosystem through innovation, education and collaboration, emphasizing the potential of Islamic finance to advance financial inclusion.
In his address as Chief Guest, Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa underscored the importance of ethical, Shariah-compliant financial practices and the role of knowledge, innovation, and institutional cooperation in expanding opportunities for women’s participation in the financial sector.
The top three performing teams will receive exciting prizes from IU CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners.
