Inaugural Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards Announce Leading Institutions in Disability-Inclusive Banking

The Inaugural Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards recognized outstanding contributions by banks and financial institutions promoting disability inclusion in their operations, infrastructure, and workforce.

Organized by Determined Pakistan, inspired by the SBP Policy for Financial Inclusion of PWDs, the awards celebrated innovation, accessibility, and inclusive practices across nine categories.

Below are the winners and runners-up:

The Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards honored outstanding institutions across eight categories.

• The Accessible Infrastructure Excellence Award was won by Bank of Punjab (BOP), with UBL as runner-up.

• Faysal Bank received the Most Disability-Friendly Branch Network Award, while

  BankIslami was named runner-up.

• In the Excellence in Employment of PWDs Award, BOP secured the top honor once again,

  followed by Faysal Bank.

• The Excellence in Employment for Women with Disabilities Award went to Easypaisa, with Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) as runner-up.

• For efforts in awareness and outreach, UBL won the Excellence in Financial Literacy for PWDs Award, with BankIslami as runner-up.

• SCB took home the Disability Inclusion Training and Capacity Building Award, with

  BankIslami again named runner-up.

• SCB also earned the Best Accessible Documentation Award, while BankIslami continued its strong presence as runner-up.

The highest honor of the evening, the Disability Finclusion Champion Award (Best Bank), was awarded to The Bank of Punjab (BOP) for its overall excellence and leadership in inclusive finance.

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) emerged as the most decorated institution, bagging three top awards, while BankIslami received the highest number of runner-up positions (four in total), showcasing consistent efforts across categories.

National Bank of Pakistan and Meezan Bank were specially acknowledged for their participation and ongoing efforts toward disability inclusion. NBP was recognized for being the first Pakistani bank to receive the Asian Development Bank’s 2024 Disability Inclusion Champion Award, while Meezan Bank was appreciated for its consistent engagement and support for inclusive banking practices.

In addition, a Special Recognition Award titled "Advocacy Leader in PWD Financial Inclusion" was presented to NOWPDP.

The ceremony featured compelling addresses from leaders dedicated to inclusive development. It began with a welcome by Adeeb Aijaz, Co-Founder of Determined Pakistan, followed by reflections from jury members Sarwat N. Shah, Ronak Lakhani, and Dr. Syed Qaiser Anis.

Ashir Wilson of NOWPDP highlighted the organization’s pioneering efforts in disability financial inclusion, while Shabana Kausar, Director General of Sindh Persons with Disabilities Protection Authority (SPDPA) showcased Sindh’s policy leadership.

In his closing remarks, Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi, who presided over the ceremony, stated: “The Co-Founders of Determined Pakistan, Adeel Aijaz and Adeeb Aijaz, deserve immense appreciation for their vision and courage to launch this pioneering initiative. Special recognition must also go to Huma Saeed, the Project Director, whose commitment, coordination, and attention to detail made this impactful event a reality.” He further encouraged all banks and financial institutions across Pakistan to come forward and accelerate their efforts for the financial inclusion of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that inclusion is not a favor—but a fundamental right and an economic necessity.

The organizers conveyed their heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of the initiative, which included PWDs-Network, Riphah International University, Infra Zamin Pakistan, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), Boltay Huroof and Zaamin Town Karachi (ZTK), whose support was instrumental in making the Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards a meaningful and impactful event.

The Event held at National Institute of Banking & Finance (NIBAF) marks a significant step toward advancing financial equity and accessibility for persons with disabilities in Pakistan’s banking sector.

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