Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), one of Pakistan’s foremost Islamic financial institutions, has launched the Karachi chapter of its transformative ‘Faysal Khud Mukhtar’ Internship Programme. Developed in collaboration with Circle Women Association, this initiative reaffirms FBL’s commitment to fostering gender inclusion and enabling sustainable economic participation for women, especially from underserved communities.
The internship programme is embedded within Circle’s flagship Work Readiness Programme, designed to prepare young women for success in professional environments. By equipping them with essential workplace skills, personal development tools, and confidence-building exercises, the initiative aims to unlock long-term career opportunities for its participants.
This phase of the programme focuses on 25 young women from low-income neighborhoods of Karachi. They are undergoing an intensive training and development experience intended to strengthen their readiness for real-world work environments. Once their training is completed, all participants are guaranteed internships at Faysal Bank, with the majority expected to secure permanent roles in various departments of the Bank thereafter.
The initiative aligns closely with the State Bank of Pakistan’s ‘Banking on Equality’ framework, which encourages financial institutions to remove gender barriers and promote inclusive banking practices. Faysal Bank’s proactive role in this effort underscores its dedication to shaping an equitable financial system that fosters equal access to opportunities.
Launched initially in 2023, the ‘Faysal Khud Mukhtar’ Internship Programme is a flagship effort within Faysal Bank’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies. By targeting women from marginalized sectors, the programme aims to provide formal access to training, mentorship, and employment within Pakistan’s growing financial ecosystem.
A previous cohort held in Lahore produced tangible results. Forty-six women were trained, 42 received internships, and over half secured full-time employment—offering not only financial independence but a significant step forward in bridging gender gaps in the banking sector.
The Bank’s continued expansion of the programme into other urban centers across Pakistan further highlights its long-term vision. Collaborating with grassroots organizations and educational partners, Faysal Bank seeks to identify high-potential candidates and provide them with structured career pathways.
Beyond corporate social responsibility, this initiative represents a strategic investment in Pakistan’s future workforce. By nurturing talent in underserved areas, Faysal Bank is contributing to a more inclusive economy while reinforcing its position as a values-driven Islamic banking leader.
Through impactful partnerships and forward-thinking programmes like ‘Khud Mukhtar,’ Faysal Bank is actively redefining the role of financial institutions in creating social value. Its efforts serve as a model for how banks can not only enable economic empowerment but also inspire confidence and self-reliance among women who are too often left on the sidelines of opportunity.