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Thank you President Dr. Arif Alvi for your kind Consideration

Fariyal Mir

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Women’s financial inclusion, digital empowerment vital to improving economy: President. women are capable of doing anything. They just need support and encouragement.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): President Dr. Arif Alvi Friday said that the inclusion of women in the financial mainstream, as well as their digital empowerment, would bring about economic stability besides many other intangible benefits to the society.

The president, addressing the launching ceremony of State Bank’s policy on “Banking on Equality” to ensure women’s financial inclusion, said a financially independent woman could not be exploited.

First Lady Samina Alvi, parliamentarians, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir, SBP Deputy Governor Seema Kamil, CEOs of banks and financial institutions attended the event.

The president said the women’s financial inclusion would also significantly improve the country’s GDP as women were more reliable handlers of the financial products as had also been experienced in Bangladesh as well as Pakistan.

He said with the changing dynamics of the society marking minimizing needs of physical labor, the women could easily play their role in the society by using the internet and other digital tools.

With the five pillars of diversity, inclusion, accessibility, transparency, and leadership, the policy has set a target of around 20 million women’s bank accounts by 2023. Currently, only 13% of the bank staff and 1% of branchless banking agents are women.

Under the policy, the financial institutions would be asked to ensure a minimum of 20% female participation in the workforce by 2024.

President Alvi told the gathering that opening a bank account of women was just one method of financial inclusion as it would open up more avenues.

He said a secure environment was inevitable for the women to make them play a productive role as the security of their children was always the family’s top priority.

At the same time, the president said it was also equally essential to teach the society on ethics and its responsibilities, exemplifying the Minar-e-Pakistan incident where the people opted to film the female harassment scene instead of forbidding the wrongdoers.

The president said it was unfortunate that Pakistan lagged behind in the number of women bank account holders comparing other Muslim countries and appreciated the SBP’s target of 20 million women bank accounts by 2023 as proposed in the policy.

He also suggested that the number of women’s bank accounts could have a quantum jump if Ehsaas disbursements to all 17 million women were switched through banking channels instead of cash. It will also ensure women’s enhanced control over the money, he added.

Referring to the passage of a law to protect women’s property rights, the president also appreciated a decision of the Balochistan High Court barring women from gifting their inherited property to anyone unless it was transferred to her.

President Alvi urged the women parliamentarians to be aware women about the loan amount specified by banks for women which currently remained under-utilized.

At the end, the president also reiterated his message for self-examination and early diagnosis of breast cancer as October would be observed as a month for awareness on the disease. He said owing to delayed diagnosis, the mortality rate in Pakistan was 50%, comparing just 2% in the world.

Earlier, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir presented a copy of the policy to the president which will assign outreach targets for saving and credit products to enhance access, usage, and quality of financial services to women.

In his address, Raza Baqir said the policy had been finalized after detailed consultation with all the stakeholders.

He said Pakistan lagged far behind among Muslim countries vis-à-vis the number of women bank account holders which were 70% in Saudi Arabia, UAE 76%, Turkey 54%, and Malaysia 82%.

He said the extension of the digital account opening facility across Pakistan would also help enhance the number of account holders including men and women. He also thanked the banks and other financial institutions for supporting the central banks in policy formulation and also urged them to own and implement the document.

Earlier, Seema Kamil said it was a historic day for women of Pakistan as financial inclusion was their right. She said being gender-neutral had not been enough, so it was required to adopt a gender intentional approach.

She asked the banks to provide a conducive environment, welcome, value, and respect their women customers to encourage their financial inclusion.

CEO of Froward Sports Khawaja Masood, whose company was effectively promoting the objective, said women’s financial inclusion would cast a substantial impact on the national economy. He said the financial institutions should ensure that their respect and grace were not compromised. CEO of Standard Chartered

Pakistan

Pakistan Successfully Launches PRSE-EO2 Satellite into Space

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Pakistan has achieved another proud milestone in its space journey with the successful launch of the PRSE-EO2 satellite into orbit. This achievement reflects Pakistan’s growing strength in science, technology, and national capability, proving that the country is steadily advancing in modern space development.

The PRSE-EO2 satellite is designed to support Pakistan in multiple critical areas, including earth observation, mapping, environmental monitoring, and national development planning. With this satellite in space, Pakistan will be able to improve its ability to collect accurate data for agriculture, water management, urban planning, disaster monitoring, and climate-related challenges.

This success is a strong reminder that space technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for nations that want to grow in the modern world. Satellites play an important role in helping countries manage their resources, respond to natural disasters, and strengthen national security through better monitoring and planning.

The successful launch of PRSE-EO2 also sends a positive message to Pakistan’s youth. It shows that Pakistan has the talent and potential to compete in advanced fields such as aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and artificial intelligence-driven systems. Such achievements inspire young minds to pursue careers in science and innovation, strengthening the country’s future.

Pakistan’s progress in space technology is not only a matter of national pride but also a strategic step toward long-term development. As the world becomes more data-driven, satellite-based information will be a powerful tool for smarter governance and faster progress.

The launch of PRSE-EO2 proves one clear reality: Pakistan is not standing still. Pakistan is moving forward. And with each successful mission, the nation strengthens its position as a country capable of innovation, modern research, and high-tech achievement.

This moment is a victory for Pakistan’s scientists, engineers, and institutions—and a hopeful sign for the future of a stronger, smarter, and more advanced Pakistan.

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Pakistan

Kashmir Day: A Voice for Dignity, Peace, and Justice

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Every year on 5th February, Pakistan observes Kashmir Day to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. For many, it is a national tradition. But for those who understand the human reality behind the issue, it is far more than that. Kashmir Day is a reminder that millions of people still live with uncertainty, restrictions, and a future that remains unresolved.

As AikQaum, we believe Kashmir is not simply a political dispute. It is a human story. Behind every news report are families, children, students, and ordinary people who want what every human being wants: safety, dignity, and a peaceful life. Kashmir Day matters because silence does not reduce suffering. When the world stops speaking about Kashmir, the pain does not disappear—it only becomes less visible.

For Pakistan, Kashmir is an emotional and moral responsibility. It is tied to shared history, shared identity, and a deep sense of connection. But this responsibility must be carried with wisdom. Support for Kashmir should not be expressed through hatred or extreme language. It should be expressed through dignity, truth, and consistent advocacy based on human rights and international principles.

In today’s world, the Kashmir issue is also a battle of narratives. Misinformation spreads quickly, and emotional reactions often replace facts. This is where Pakistan’s youth have a powerful role. Young Pakistanis can support Kashmir by sharing verified information, raising awareness responsibly, and keeping the conversation alive in a way that the world can respect. A cause becomes stronger when it is represented with discipline and humanity.

Kashmir Day also reminds Pakistan of the importance of unity. A divided nation cannot carry a moral cause effectively. If Pakistan wants the world to listen, Pakistan must first stand together. Unity is not only a national value—it is a strategic necessity.

To the people of Kashmir, AikQaum’s message is clear: you are not forgotten. Your voices matter. Your courage is respected. Your future is important. Pakistan’s solidarity is not limited to one day; it is a long-term commitment rooted in conscience and shared humanity.

Kashmir Day is ultimately a day of conscience. It is a reminder that justice must be pursued with patience, wisdom, and peace. At AikQaum, we stand with Kashmir—firmly, respectfully, and with the belief that no people should remain unheard forever.

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Pakistan

“Winter Relief Drive Brings Warmth and Dignity to Islamabad’s Most Vulnerable”

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Providing a sense of security to deserving families in Islamabad during cold nights
Islamabad: With a determination not to leave deserving and disadvantaged families and individuals alone in the severe cold of Islamabad, the “Social Cooperation Initiative” in collaboration with the “Zakat Foundation of America” distributed “Winter Relief Packages” among poor families and needy individuals. The aim of this campaign is to protect poor families and needy individuals from the harshness of the weather and provide them with a sense of security.

1- 50 widowed women residing in Jinnah Garden were provided with cold protection equipment so that they could face the harshness of the weather.
2- 20 members of the neglected section of the society, the transgender community, were also provided with relief packages.
3- 20 homeless people living a miserable life under bridges were directly reached out and provided with essential relief items.
4- In addition, 20 women residents of the Social Protection Women’s Center (8-H) were distributed blankets and quilts.
The relief package included warm shawls, blankets, socks, gloves, hats, and warm hoodies for adults and children.
On this occasion, the leadership of the “Social Cooperation Initiative” thanked the “Zakat Foundation of America” ​​and said: “The winter season is a very difficult time for disadvantaged families and needy individuals. Our goal is to ensure that no deserving person is deprived of assistance. This campaign is not just about distributing goods, but also a commitment to serving humanity and social inclusion.

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