PESHAWAR – April 2025: The State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) Peshawar observed Financial Literacy Week 2025 with a series of targeted activities aimed at strengthening public understanding of financial matters and promoting inclusive economic participation. The week-long celebration, held from April 14 to April 18, aligns with SBP’s broader vision of financial inclusion and literacy for all segments of society.
The initiative kicked off on April 14 with an inaugural ceremony where Waqar Ali, Chief Manager of SBP BSC Peshawar, addressed attendees and emphasized the transformative role of financial literacy in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He reiterated that building a financially literate population is not only essential for individual empowerment but also crucial for achieving national economic resilience.
Under the theme of accessibility and engagement, the week featured diverse outreach activities designed to involve people from various walks of life. On April 15, commercial banks conducted and monitored financial literacy camps across the region, focusing on educating the public about savings, digital payments, credit management, and the importance of maintaining formal banking relationships. These camps were particularly tailored to address the financial needs of underserved communities.
On April 16, SBP BSC Peshawar welcomed visits from key demographic groups including women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and student groups from educational institutions. These visits were structured to offer hands-on exposure to financial systems and included interactive sessions on managing personal finance, digital banking tools, and avenues for accessing microfinance and entrepreneurial support.
One of the highlights of the week was a debate and quiz competition held on April 17 for university and college students. The intellectually charged event encouraged young minds to explore critical financial topics such as inflation, digital currencies, and the role of central banks. The session not only sparked interest in economics and finance but also fostered analytical thinking and public speaking skills among participants.
The culmination of the Financial Literacy Week came in the form of a symbolic and spirited Financial Literacy Walk at the University of Peshawar on April 18. Attended by students, faculty, bankers, and members of the local community, the walk was a public demonstration of the growing awareness and collective commitment to improving financial knowledge across society.
Through its Financial Literacy Week initiative, SBP BSC Peshawar reaffirmed its commitment to building a more financially informed and inclusive Pakistan. The program complements SBP’s ongoing efforts under its National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), which seeks to expand the reach of financial services to marginalized populations, enhance digital banking adoption, and promote financial sector transparency.
These efforts come at a time when financial literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical enabler of socioeconomic development. With the rapid rise of digital financial services and fintech platforms, initiatives like Financial Literacy Week play an essential role in equipping citizens with the knowledge and confidence to navigate an evolving financial landscape.
As the banking and fintech ecosystem continues to grow in complexity, SBP’s proactive approach to public education ensures that no one is left behind in the journey toward a financially empowered future.