Faysal Bank has taken a pioneering step in Pakistan’s corporate landscape by launching the country’s first Inclusive Communication Guide. Developed in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (CERB) under the umbrella of the Pakistan Business Council, this guide aims to reshape how businesses approach diversity, equity, and inclusion through mindful language. The initiative positions Faysal Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution, at the forefront of setting new standards for inclusive practices in Pakistan’s corporate sector.
The launch event, held in Karachi, brought together a diverse gathering of business leaders, DEI advocates, industry experts, and representatives from inclusivity-focused organizations. It was more than just a ceremonial occasion; it underscored a shared commitment to building professional environments where every individual, regardless of background or ability, is acknowledged and respected.
The Inclusive Communication Guide is not only available in English but also in Braille, ensuring it reaches audiences who are often overlooked in typical corporate outreach. This move signifies a concrete effort toward accessibility and serves as an example of how institutions can embed inclusivity in tangible ways. By making such resources broadly available, Faysal Bank hopes to encourage other players in the industry to adopt similar practices and establish a national benchmark for respectful workplace dialogue.
Designed with practical application in mind, the guide provides employees and leaders with tools to engage thoughtfully with diverse groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented communities. It’s a resource aimed at helping professionals understand the profound impact language can have on fostering or hindering a culture of belonging.
During his remarks at the event, Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO of Faysal Bank, highlighted the philosophy behind this initiative. He noted that inclusion fundamentally begins with language, emphasizing that the words chosen in everyday interactions reflect deeper organizational values. According to him, the guide stands as more than a reference document—it is a formal commitment to communicating with empathy and cultivating workplaces where everyone feels visible and valued.
Echoing this sentiment, Ehsan Malik, CEO of the Pakistan Business Council, pointed out that inclusion has evolved from being a corporate catchphrase to a critical business necessity. He praised Faysal Bank’s leadership in developing this guide, encouraging other businesses to consider adopting similar frameworks to embed inclusive communication within their own organizational cultures.
The launch of this guide is another milestone in Faysal Bank’s ongoing journey toward deeper diversity and inclusion. By introducing a resource that extends well beyond its own workforce, the bank aims to influence the broader business community, urging companies across Pakistan to prioritize language that embraces difference and builds trust.
Looking ahead, the Inclusive Communication Guide could serve as a catalyst for widespread change, inspiring firms across industries to reassess how they engage with diverse groups. As Pakistan’s corporate ecosystem continues to evolve, initiatives like these signal a meaningful shift toward more conscious, compassionate, and inclusive workplaces nationwide.