BoK opens women-centric Islamic banking branch

Dr Muhammad Saleem, Additional Director, Financial Inclusion Support Department, SBP (R) and Managing Director (A) and CFO, BoK (C)inaugurates the first women-centric Islamic banking branch in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on June 13, 2024. — Facebook/Bank of KhyberPESHAWAR: The Bank of Khyber (BoK) on Thursday inaugurated the first women-centric Islamic banking branch in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dr Muhammad Saleem, Additional Director, Financial Inclusion Support Department, SBP, and Irfan Saleem Awan, CEO and Managing Director (A) and CFO, BoK, inaugurated the branch.
Tahir Naeem, Additional Director Exchange Policy Department, SBP; Shaharyar Khan, Chief Manager BSC SBP, Peshawar; Muhammad Haroon, DCM BSC SBP, Peshawar; Ali Khan Arbab, Group Head Islamic Banking (A), BoK; Sher Muhammad, Group Head Conventional Banking, BoK; Muhammad Asif, Group Head Human Resource Development Group, BoK; Ihsan Ullah Ihsan, Group Head RAMG, BoK; Fauziaa Mahmood, Divisional Head Marketing, BoK, and other executives from both SBP and BoK were present.This pioneering branch is located in Deans Heights, Phase 2, Hayatabad, Peshawar, and has been opened under the umbrella of BoK Islamic Banking Group (IBG).Ali Khan Arbab stated that it would be a space where women could feel comfortable and supported as they manage finances while ensuring they have access to the best Riba-free and Shariah-compliant Islamic financial products and services that fit their needs and dreams.The SBP lauded the initiative, recognizing it as a significant move towards promoting gender equality and women’s financial inclusion in banking.Dr Muhammad Saleem said: “Empowering women through financial services not only enhances their individual prospects but also drives economic growth and societal prosperity. This women-centric branch embodies a significant leap towards inclusive economic participation, reflecting our commitment to fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our economy.”Irfan Saleem Awan stated: “Today marks a milestone for the Bank of Khyber as we champion the cause of women empowerment and inclusivity in the financial sector. We are thrilled to lead this transformative initiative, which promises to make a profound impact on the lives of countless women and their families. This is more than just the opening of a branch; it is a momentous step towards banking on equality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thereby supporting the economic and social uplift of our community.”The communication said this innovative Islamic branch is expected to revolutionize financial services for women in KP, providing a safe and empowering space for woman customers and fostering leadership and growth opportunities for female employees.