Islamabad : Mobilink Bank, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s financial inclusion by launching the country’s first ‘Centre of Excellence for Women’ in collaboration with Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan’s leading agricultural institution, to promote financial education.
In this joint effort, Mobilink Bank will serve as the exclusive financing partner for Arid University’s outreach program, which extends its services to approximately 200 rural villages in the Potohar region. In addition to offering tailored financial services, the bank will actively contribute to the development of agricultural education by supporting training in financial literacy, skill development and capacity building for women.
Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON Group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of the world’s population.
Pakistan’s agriculture sector is a powerhouse, contributing a substantial 24% to GDP and employing nearly half of the country’s workforce. Women make up 45% of this agricultural workforce, mostly employed on small farms. Despite their critical role, women farmers face many challenges, especially in accessing financial services and technology. Recognizing these challenges, Mobilink Bank has taken proactive measures by launching a ‘Centre of Excellence for Women’ under its flagship initiative, the Women Inspirational Network (WIN), to empower women, promote financial inclusion, bridge existing gender gaps and boost their economic growth .
Commenting on the initiative, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer of Mobilink Bank said, “We are deeply committed to supporting growth in Pakistan’s agriculture sector and recognizing its vital role in the country’s rural landscape. Currently, 40% of our borrowers are involved in agriculture, underscoring our commitment to supporting those who form the backbone of rural communities.
We understand their challenges and strive to provide them with innovative financial solutions. One such initiative is our WIN programme, which has already made progress by imparting valuable skills and knowledge to thousands of women across the country. We are ready to take another leap forward thanks to our partnership with Arid University. By launching this centre, we are expanding our reach and equipping more women, especially women farmers, with the necessary digital and financial tools they need to thrive in today’s challenging environment.”
Dr. Gulshan Irshad, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, PMAS AAUR, said, “As an institution dedicated to agricultural development, we are proud to partner with Mobilink Bank. Our outreach programs offer joint information sessions that educate farmers, especially women, on both good agricultural practices and financial literacy.
This strengthens our communities and creates valuable connections for Mobilink Bank with potential customers. We are determined to expand this initiative – to facilitate access to Mobilink Bank to all agricultural universities across Pakistan. Mobilink Bank continues to expand its reach and influence and remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that support the digital and financial inclusion of women.
