Iqra University Launches Nationwide Islamic Investment Competition for Women

Iqra University has launched a nationwide Islamic investment competition to promote financial literacy, responsible saving and Shariah-compliant investment practices among female university students, faculty members and staff across Pakistan.

Titled Empowered Women, Ethical Investments, the initiative has been developed by the Iqra University Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF) in collaboration with ZLK Islamic Financial Services.

The competition aims to give participants practical experience in ethical investing through financial literacy sessions, digital investment tools, real-time market information and guided learning activities.

Rather than focusing solely on academic knowledge, the programme will take participants through a practical learning journey, from developing saving habits to making informed investment decisions and building financial independence.

National and International Institutions Join Initiative

The launch ceremony took place at Iqra University, bringing together representatives from Pakistan’s financial sector and international institutions.

Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain, attended as chief guest. Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), was the guest of honour.

The initiative has brought together strategic partners, including AAOIFI, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), SECP, Meezan Bank Limited, CDC and Al Meezan Investment Management Limited.

During the event, IU CEIF, AAOIFI, UNIDO and ICEI signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen institutional cooperation in Islamic finance, financial technology, capacity building and related initiatives.

Iqra University Highlights Financial Inclusion

M. Farhan-Ul-Haq Usmani, Honorary Director of IU CEIF, welcomed participants and highlighted the centre’s commitment to advancing Islamic financial technology, financial inclusion and capacity building.

Iqra University representative Imaan Hunaid Lakhani described the launch as an important milestone for the institution. She highlighted the university’s international outlook and its focus on teaching, research and industry engagement.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram said the competition and institutional agreement would provide women with a platform to translate ethical principles into confident investment decisions and future financial leadership.

He also emphasized the value of bringing regulators, international institutions and industry representatives together to expand opportunities for women in finance.

Leaders Emphasize Ethical Finance and Women’s Participation

Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion, highlighted the role of entrepreneurship, technology, investment knowledge and institutional partnerships in supporting women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.

SECP Commissioner Imtiaz Haider stressed the importance of investor education and financial awareness in encouraging women to participate in regulated financial markets.

Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President of Meezan Bank Limited and Co-Patron of IU CEIF, emphasized the potential of innovation, education and collaboration to strengthen Pakistan’s Islamic financial ecosystem and expand financial inclusion.

Chief guest Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa also highlighted the importance of ethical and Shariah-compliant financial practices. He underscored the role of knowledge, innovation and institutional cooperation in increasing women’s participation in the financial sector.

Top Three Teams to Receive Prizes

The competition will recognize its three top-performing teams with prizes from IU CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners.

By combining financial education with practical investment experience, the initiative seeks to improve participants’ understanding of Shariah-compliant financial products and encourage more informed financial decisions.

The programme also reflects a broader effort to connect universities, regulators and financial institutions to strengthen financial literacy and widen women’s access to investment opportunities in Pakistan.