NIBAF Pakistan successfully conducted a two-day Women in Leadership Training Program from November 20–21, 2025, at its Islamabad campus, offering female banking professionals a platform to enhance leadership capacity, strategic thinking, and professional empowerment. The program brought together women across the financial sector to explore best practices in leadership, decision-making, and organizational influence, underlining NIBAF’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and professional excellence.
The opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Lubna Farooq Malik, CEO of NIBAF Pakistan, who emphasized the importance of empowering women leaders in the banking and financial industry. She highlighted that strong female leadership contributes not only to individual professional growth but also to overall institutional performance and resilience. Ms. Malik underscored that the program aimed to equip participants with tools to navigate challenges, take strategic initiatives, and make impactful decisions in their respective organizations.
Ms. Sabahat Bokhari led the training sessions, focusing on strategic empowerment, leadership excellence, and the development of skills necessary to thrive in complex, evolving organizational environments. Her interactive sessions encouraged participants to engage in self-reflection, scenario-based exercises, and group discussions, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Participants were guided on applying leadership frameworks, effective communication strategies, and decision-making models to real-world banking scenarios.
Adding depth to the program, guest speakers Ms. Momina Tariq, Chief Human Resource Officer at Askari Bank, and Ms. Sumera Baloch, Director of the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU), shared insights on career growth, leadership challenges, and strategic organizational management. Both speakers discussed their personal journeys, providing actionable advice on navigating hierarchical structures, leveraging opportunities, and sustaining professional growth while balancing multiple responsibilities in the financial sector.
The sessions emphasized the evolving role of women leaders in shaping organizational strategy and cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Participants were encouraged to strengthen their decision-making capabilities, influence team performance, and contribute proactively to organizational objectives. The training also highlighted how strategic thinking, effective communication, and confidence in leadership roles can create a tangible impact on institutional outcomes and industry standards.
Participants expressed that the program offered valuable opportunities to network with peers, gain mentorship insights, and build actionable strategies for leadership success. The program’s design combined theoretical frameworks, experiential learning, and practical guidance, ensuring participants could immediately apply knowledge to enhance team dynamics, drive projects, and advocate for inclusive practices within their organizations.
NIBAF Pakistan reiterated its commitment to fostering gender-inclusive leadership and empowering women professionals through structured learning and professional development initiatives. By providing targeted training that integrates strategic empowerment with practical application, the program strengthens the presence of women leaders in Pakistan’s banking and financial sector, ensuring a future-ready workforce equipped with critical skills to navigate complex business environments.
The program concluded with a call for participants to implement the lessons learned, continue professional growth, and serve as role models for aspiring women in the financial industry, reinforcing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and continuous learning.
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