Iqra University launches Islamic investment contest for women
KARACHI (PR): Iqra University Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF) in collaboration with ZLK Islamic Financial Services has launched “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments” – a nationwide Islamic investment competition aimed at promoting financial literacy and Shariah-compliant investments among female university students, faculty and staff.
The competition was formally launched at a ceremony held at Iqra University on Thursday. Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain, was the chief guest while Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), was the guest of honour.
Unlike conventional academic competitions, the initiative provides hands-on exposure to Shariah-compliant investment practices through financial literacy sessions, digital investment tools, real-time market information and guided learning activities.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IU CEIF, AAOIFI, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and ICEI to strengthen international institutional collaboration in Islamic finance, financial technology and capacity building.
The initiative brings together prominent national and international organizations as strategic partners including AAOIFI, UNIDO, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), SECP, Meezan Bank Limited, Central Depository Company (CDC) and Al Meezan Investment Management Limited.
Addressing the ceremony, M. Farhan-Ul-Haq Usmani, Honorary Director IU CEIF, said the Centre is committed to advancing Islamic financial technology, financial inclusion and capacity building.
Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani said Iqra University is ranked amongst the top 1000 universities of the world by Times Higher Education, calling the ranking and the competition launch milestones towards establishing world class teaching and research.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram said 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.
UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Head Dr. Hashim Hussein highlighted entrepreneurship, technology and investment knowledge for women’s economic empowerment.
SECP Commissioner Imtiaz Haider stressed investor education and women’s participation in regulated financial markets while Meezan Bank President Dr. Syed Amir Ali shared his vision for strengthening the Islamic financial ecosystem through innovation and education.
In his address, AAOIFI Chairman Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa underscored the importance of ethical and Shariah-compliant financial practices and institutional cooperation to expand opportunities for women in the financial sector.
The organizers announced that the top three performing teams will receive prizes from IU CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners.