Bank of Punjab Leads at Inaugural Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards

The event, held at the NIBAF, marked a key

milestone in promoting financial accessibility

and equity for Persons with Disabilities

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Inaugural Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards, organized by Determined Pakistan, celebrated the outstanding efforts of banks and financial institutions advancing disability inclusion in Pakistan’s financial sector. The event, held at the National Institute of Banking & Finance (NIBAF), marked a key milestone in promoting financial accessibility and equity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Inspired by the State Bank of Pakistan’s Policy for Financial Inclusion of PWDs, the awards recognized excellence across nine categories, highlighting inclusive infrastructure, employment, outreach, and innovation.

Award Winners and Runners-up

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) emerged as the top winner, securing three major awards, including the highest honor of the night.

Category-wise winners:

• Accessible Infrastructure Excellence Award
  🏆 Winner: Bank of Punjab (BOP)
  🥈 Runner-up: UBL
• Most Disability-Friendly Branch Network
  🏆 Winner: Faysal Bank
  🥈 Runner-up: BankIslami
• Excellence in Employment of PWDs
  🏆 Winner: Bank of Punjab (BOP)
  🥈 Runner-up: Faysal Bank
• Employment for Women with Disabilities
  🏆 Winner: Easypaisa
  🥈 Runner-up: Standard Chartered Bank (SCB)
• Financial Literacy for PWDs
  🏆 Winner: UBL
  🥈 Runner-up: BankIslami
• Disability Inclusion Training and Capacity Building
  🏆 Winner: Standard Chartered Bank (SCB)
  🥈 Runner-up: BankIslami
• Best Accessible Documentation
  🏆 Winner: Standard Chartered Bank (SCB)
  🥈 Runner-up: BankIslami
• Disability Finclusion Champion Award (Best Bank)
  🏆 Winner: Bank of Punjab (BOP)

BOP led the evening with three wins, while BankIslami secured the highest number of runner-up positions (4), showcasing consistent dedication to inclusion.

Special Recognitions

• National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) was acknowledged as the first Pakistani bank to win the ADB Disability Inclusion Champion Award (2024).
• Meezan Bank was appreciated for its sustained commitment to inclusive banking.
• NOWPDP received the Advocacy Leader in PWD Financial Inclusion Award for its role in promoting disability rights and financial accessibility.

Inspiring Leadership and Dialogue

The event featured powerful addresses from key figures:

• Adeeb Aijaz, Co-Founder of Determined Pakistan, delivered the welcome note.
• Jury members Sarwat N. Shah, Ronak Lakhani, and Dr. Syed Qaiser Anis shared reflections.
• Ashir Wilson (NOWPDP) highlighted efforts in disability-focused financial inclusion.
• Shabana Kausar, Director General, SPDPA, presented Sindh’s policy leadership in disability protection.
• Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi, who presided over the event, praised Determined Pakistan’s leadership, especially Co-Founders Adeel Aijaz and Adeeb Aijaz, and Project Director Huma Saeed for organizing this impactful event.

“Inclusion is not a favor—it is a fundamental right and an economic necessity,” said Rizvi, urging financial institutions to scale up inclusive practices nationwide.

Sponsors and Partners

The event was supported by:
PWDs-Network, Riphah International University, InfraZamin Pakistan, ZTBL, Boltay Huroof, and Zaamin Town Karachi (ZTK).

A National Milestone for Financial Inclusion

The Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards mark a transformative step toward inclusive finance in Pakistan, setting a new benchmark for accessibility and disability-inclusive practices in the country’s banking and financial landscape.