Islamabad, January 15, 2025 – The Board of Mobilink Bank has announced the appointment of Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary as the new Chief Executive Officer of Mobilink Bank, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s mission to drive financial inclusion, digital banking, and innovation.

“Haaris has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to Mobilink Bank’s values,” said Aamir Ibrahim, Chairman of Mobilink Bank and CEO of Jazz. “I am confident that under his guidance, Mobilink Bank will continue to empower millions of Pakistanis with cutting-edge digital financial solutions, expand digital banking services, and solidify its position as a leader in the financial services sector.”

Haaris joined Mobilink Bank as Chief Operating Officer in 2023 and served as Interim CEO, where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives, including securing VEON’s $15 million investment as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Pakistan to accelerate financial inclusion. During his tenure, the Bank achieved notable milestones, such as being named the Best Microfinance Bank at the Pakistan Banking Awards 2024 and topping the State Bank of Pakistan’s Banking on Equality Scorecard for two consecutive years.

With over two decades of leadership experience, Haaris has worked with organizations such as the Universal Service Fund (USF) Pakistan, Citibank New York, Barclays Capital Dubai, Clariden Leu Asset Management (part of Credit Suisse) Dubai, and ABN AMRO Pakistan. His diverse expertise strengthens Mobilink Bank’s leadership as it continues its journey to expand digital banking, support a cashless and digital economy, and grow digital services through platforms like JazzCash.

“As a future-ready digital bank, Mobilink Bank remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative, customer-centric solutions,” Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary commented. “I am excited to lead this exceptional team and further strengthen our position as a market leader. Together, we will continue to drive inclusive economic growth, support a cashless economy, and redefine digital financial services for millions across Pakistan.”

Islamabad, October 22, 2024 – Mobilink Bank has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to gender equality and financial inclusion, securing a remarkable score of 82.7 on the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Women Friendliness Grid. This notable increase from last year’s score of 71.79 highlights the Bank’s continuous efforts in fostering a supportive environment for women borrowers and entrepreneurs, particularly in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

The Women Friendliness Grid serves as a vital benchmark for assessing the accessibility and inclusivity of financial services for women. Mobilink Bank’s approach combines innovative programs and strategic partnerships aimed at supporting women across Pakistan.

Through its Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program, the Bank has trained over 20,000 women nationwide and, in partnership with Care Pakistan, upskilled an additional 1,500 women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) district. Under Bint-e-Hawwa, Mobilink Bank disbursed PKR 6.96 billion in loans to women in 2022, which rose to over PKR 10.6 billion in 2023, marking a 50% increase.

Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Interim CEO of Mobilink Bank, said, “Achieving an 82.7 score on the Women Friendliness Grid is a testament to our commitment to financial inclusivity and innovation. This milestone reflects our dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs, driving digital inclusion, and embedding sustainability into our operations. We will continue to focus on creating meaningful opportunities that foster gender equality and environmental responsibility.”

Mobilink Bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs is evident in its strategic allocation of resources and focus on sustainable practices. MSME lending represents 40% of the total loan portfolio, valued at PKR 24.34 billion, reflecting the Bank’s dedication to improving opportunities for women in business. This commitment is further highlighted by a 33% representation of women in leadership, the implementation of a childcare policy, enhanced maternity and paternity leaves, and a transport allowance. The launch of the Women Returnship Program – MobilinkHer, efforts to build a talent pool of women interns, and a focus on hiring more females underscore the Bank’s support for women. Currently, women comprise 16% of Mobilink Bank’s workforce at both the field and Head Office, up from 7% in earlier years, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 42% from 2020 to 2024.

In addition to these efforts, 44% of Mobilink Bank’s loan portfolio is allocated to agriculture, with 25% directed towards women-owned agri-businesses, demonstrating the Bank’s positive impact on women farmers and the broader economy.

Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of the world’s population.

Karachi – October 05, 2023: Committed to advancing the cause of gender equality and championing workplace diversity, Mobilink Bank launched MobilinkHER, its first Women Returnship Program. This inclusive effort strives to foster Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) by enabling women who have taken a career hiatus of six months or more to re-enter the workforce seamlessly. The initiative reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all, underlining its firm belief in the transformative potential of diversity to fuel innovation and propel growth.

Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and online services across seven countries. As part of its digital operator strategy, VEON is transforming people’s lives by creating opportunities for increased digital inclusion and by driving economic growth across countries that are home to more than 8% of the world’s population.

Mobilink Bank’s MobilinkHER program is more than just a commitment; it’s a call to action. It offers support and resources to women returning to work through dedicated mentorship sessions, targeted training and a supportive network, ensuring their smooth reintegration into the professional world.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ghazanfar Azzam, President and CEO Mobilink Bank said, “Diversity is at the core of our business philosophy. With the launch of MobilinkHER, our first Women Returnship Program, we’re not just breaking barriers; we’re forging new pathways for women empowerment. The Bank is committed to fostering an environment where every woman thrives through tailored mentorship, upskilling opportunities and a supportive network. At Mobilink Bank, we champion equality and drive progress, empowering women to rise, lead and shape the future.”

Also sharing his thoughts, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mobilink Bank said, “Mobilink Bank is diligently fostering an empowering ecosystem with the MobilinkHER initiative, dedicated to empowering women to resolutely reignite their careers and pursue their ambitions with unwavering confidence. We are dedicated to forging a path toward a more inclusive future, where the corporate landscape flourishes on the robust foundation of diverse talents. For us, MobilinkHER isn’t just a return to the workforce; it’s an extraordinary launchpad for success, propelling women towards the realization of their professional dreams.”

“Our commitment to diversity, inclusivity and equal opportunities empowers women to act on their ambitions regardless of career breaks and other barriers that, traditionally, hinder growth,” shared Aleena Tanvir, Chief People Officer (CPO) Mobilink Bank. “Through MobilinkHER, we foster an inclusive space where every voice resonates and every talent shines. Our mission is to create a workplace where gender equality is the norm, paving the way for success for all,” she added.

Mobilink Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women borrowers and employees alike. With a focus on innovation and forward-thinking initiatives, the Bank continues to build an equitable future. The journey towards progress and inclusivity at Mobilink Bank is ongoing, as the Bank is dedicated to setting new industry benchmarks and creating opportunities that truly make a difference.

The Emaan All-in-One Account is the ultimate power bundle for clients because of its abundance of features, advantages, and free safeguards. Due to the numerous value-added services it provides to its customers, this account distinguishes apart from most retail-based banks. Customers of Emaan Islamic Banking who maintain an average balance of at least Rs. 100,000 can benefit from complimentary value-added services from TPL Insurance – WTO, including health, life, and travel takaful.

TPL Insurance – Window Takaful Operation is pleased to be collaborating with Emaan Islamic Banking, as a Takaful solution provider for their All-in-One Account. Through this partnership, TPL Insurance – WTO aims to provide Emaan Islamic Banking customers with the experience of real-time and hassle-free coverages and claim-to-service.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Aurangzeb J. Siddiqui – Head of FIG, TPL Insurance said, “Through our collaboration with Emaan Islamic Banking – (A division of Silk Bank Limited), our focus is to reach large audiences to build awareness and usage of our innovative takaful solutions. Moreover, through its Insurtech platforms, TPL Insurance – Window Takaful Operation intends to provide Emaan Islamic Banking customers with the experience of real-time and hassle-free coverages and claim servicing.’’

This collaboration between Emaan Islamic Banking and TPL Insurance – WTO will enable customers to opt for complimentary takaful coverages while enjoying several free-of-charge transactional benefits. The account is digitized, making it the first of its kind in Pakistan to offer the fastest claim processing.

“We are excited to start this new journey with TPL Insurance – WTO by adding innovative and rewarding solutions for our customers. This collaboration will enable our customers to opt for complimentary takaful coverage while enjoying several free-of-charge transactional benefits. Silkbank Limited is committed to continuously strengthening its retail product suit with a laser-sharp focus on service delivery and innovative products,” said Mr Naveed Mushtaq, Head of Consumer Banking, Marketing & Phone Banking at Emaan Islamic Banking.

Adding to the conversation, Mr Syed Fahim Hassan, Head of Emaan Islamic Banking said, “Emaan All-in-One Account is tailored to be an ultimate power-packed account that provides various complimentary protections and transactional benefits for their customers. Unlike most retail-based banks which are not offering many value-added features to their customers, this alliance will allow individuals to maintain an average balance of Rs. 100,000 and above with Emaan Islamic Banking (A division of Silk Bank Limited) to avail FOC value-added features such as health, life, and travel takaful via TPL Insurance – WTO. Being digitized, it would be the first of its kind on accounts with the fastest claim processing.”

Karachi – April 14, 2023: Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd. (MMBL) has recently announced its latest organizational initiative aimed at bolstering the financial resilience of its employees. In response to the ongoing tumultuous economic landscape, the Bank has proactively introduced a new Minimum Salary structure of PKR 50,000 to provide its employees with enhanced financial security and aid them in meeting their daily living expenses. This strategic move is a testament to MMBL’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the welfare of its staff and showcases the Bank’s relentless drive to enrich the overall employee experience.

The recent changes in the Minimum Salary structure are a result of the collaborative efforts of MMBL’s Rewards & Payroll and Finance teams. The new structure signifies the Bank’s commitment to fair and equitable pay practices, which are essential for fostering employee satisfaction and retention.

Speaking on the development, President & CEO, Ghazanfar Azzam shared, “Our employees are the cornerstone of our success, and we are committed to ensuring their well-being while providing them with a rewarding work experience. The new minimum salary structure of PKR 50,000 demonstrates the Bank’s dedication to enhancing its employees’ financial security and easing the burden of their daily expenses. At MMBL, we firmly believe that investing in our team is a wise investment in the future of our organization.”

Also sharing his thoughts, Acting Chief People Officer, Haroon Khan said, “The Bank is cognizant of the challenges that the current financial landscape poses to many individuals, particularly those in the middle and lower-income segments of society. This is why the Bank introduced a new Minimum Salary structure that ensures all our employees receive a fair and reasonable payout to manage their daily living expenses with ease. At MMBL, our commitment to our employees extends beyond just fair pay. We strive to create an inclusive and empowering work environment where everyone feels valued and their contributions are acknowledged.”

MMBL’s commitment to the well-being of its employees is evident through its robust benefits package, which includes comprehensive healthcare coverage, flexible work arrangements, childcare support, conveyance facilities, minority leaves, and employee loans. The Bank understands that investing in its employees’ professional development is crucial to its long-term success, and thus, it offers regular training and development programs, career advancement opportunities, and mentoring to ensure that its employees are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. The Bank’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is reflected in its hiring practices, which promote an inclusive work culture. 

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Karachi – March 15, 2023: Finland-Pakistan Business Council (FPBC) organized the 10^th edition of its legacy Finland Pakistan Business Summit 2023. This year, the summit primarily focused on expanding cooperation in the energy and education sectors to boost bilateral trade, investment, and exchange of technical expertise for shared growth and development.

The summit was inaugurated by the ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Hannu Ripatti, while the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired an important session, ‘Future of Energy Landscape in Pakistan’. More than 20 Finnish companies, the majority from the energy and education sectors, participated in the summit, which was also attended by prominent business owners, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives from Pakistan.

The summit essentially is a networking platform that has facilitated business cooperation between the two countries for more than a decade. It has helped explore business opportunities, share expertise, and help Pakistani businesses use the Finnish corridor to access the enormous markets in the European Union and the Nordic region.

The panelists, all acclaimed experts in their respective fields, emphasized the need for Pakistan to replicate the Finnish model in enhancing its reliance on renewable energy and excellence in education, professional training and gender equality for socioeconomic success. They also highlighted the need for Pakistan to facilitate investment and a steady transfer of innovative technologies and technical expertise by realigning its regulatory regime to strengthen its energy and other key business sectors.

Speaking at the summit, the ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, H. E. Mr. Hannu Ripatti expressed his pleasure at the level of business cooperation between Pakistan and Finland. He said Pakistan can capitalize on this cooperation for its socioeconomic growth as Finland is the gateway to the EU market and has the immense technical expertise to help with the development of the Pakistani business and education sectors.  

Sharing his thoughts regarding the summit, the Chairman of Finland Pakistan Business Council and the Honorary Consul General of Pakistan in Finland, Mr. Wille Eerola said, Finland and Pakistan have friendly ties, further strengthened by their shared ambition for growth and development. This year, we are organizing the summit in Islamabad and Karachi to bring Finnish and Pakistani business communities together so they can discuss and explore opportunities for collaboration.”

The Finnish delegation expressed its delight over their ‘myth-busting’ Pakistan experience. They heaped praises on Pakistan’s culinary delicacies, rich culture, and hospitality. The next summit is set to take place in Karachi later this week. 

TPL Insurance Limited – Window Takaful Operations (WTO), one of the leading insurance providers in Pakistan, has partnered with Takaful Bazaar, an upcoming Takaful digital platform, to offer shariah-compliant services to customers. The partnership aims to promote and offer Shariah Compliant products and smooth the customer handling journey via technology enablement.

At an exclusive event held at Pearl Continental, Karachi, Takaful Bazaar announced their collaboration with the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Babar Azam. The attendees enthusiastically received the announcement, including TPL Insurance and Takaful Bazaar representatives.

The partnership between TPL Insurance (WTO) and Takaful Bazaar represents a significant milestone for the Takaful industry in Pakistan, as it provides customers access to a broader range of shariah-compliant products and services. This partnership is also a testament to both companies’ innovative and technology-driven approaches to increasing insurance penetration in Pakistan.

On this partnership, Mr. Muhammad Aminuddin, CEO of TPL Insurance, said, “TPL Insurance has always been an innovator and tech-enabled company. It is these same concepts which Takaful Bazaar has adopted to increase insurance penetration in the Pakistan market. We are pleased to work alongside Takaful Bazaar and wish Mr. Mustafa Rehman and Mr. Hassan R. Muhammadi all the best in their endeavour to enhance financial inclusion and provide a safety net to the masses.”

The Co-founders of Takaful Bazaar, Mr Mustafa Rehman & Hassan R. Muhammadi, reiterated their commitment to providing a financial safety net to the masses in Pakistan, saying, “We have only one goal, which is to provide a financial safety net to the masses in Pakistan. Takaful Bazaar aims to provide a one-stop solution when it comes to takaful. Together with the Takaful industry, we will increase penetration and enhance financial inclusion.

Takaful Bazaar aims to provide a one-stop solution for takaful and is committed to enhancing financial inclusion and providing a safety net to the masses in Pakistan. The platform offers a wide range of Shariah Compliant insurance products, including motor, travel, and health insurance.

TPL Insurance, on the other hand, is known for its innovative and technology-driven approach to providing insurance products and services in Pakistan. The company has been at the forefront of the insurance industry in Pakistan, offering a range of insurance solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

The partnership between TPL Insurance (WTO) and Takaful Bazaar is expected to drive growth and innovation in the Takaful industry in Pakistan. The collaboration between the two companies will enable them to leverage their respective strengths and resources to provide customers with better, more accessible, and affordable Shariah Compliant insurance products and services.

Karachi, Pakistan – ABHI, a financial technology company, has partnered with Hilal Group, a leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, to provide AbhiSalary, an Earned Wage Access product, to Hilal’s workforce. The move aims to reduce financial stress and improve productivity among Hilal’s employees, who can now access their earned salaries before payday in just 30 seconds.

Hilal Group, which exports its high-quality branded food products to over 20 countries and aims to generate Rs 20 billion by 2023, has also made AbhiSalary available as a financial wellness benefit to the employees of Hilal Foods, Hilal Care, Domino’s Pakistan, and Shalimar Foods.

On the day of signing the partnership agreement, Mr Saad Ali Khan, Group CFO of Hilal Group of Companies, stressed the importance of providing financial wellness benefits to employees by saying “During this time, it’s important for companies to provide a financial wellness benefit to their employees. We’re proud to join hands with ABHI to financially empower our workforce of over 2000 hard-working people and enable them to access their earned wages at any time of the month.”

Mohammad Zaidi, Director of Sales and Business Development at ABHI said, “We are proud to partner with Hilal Group and financially empower 2000 salaried individuals. With AbhiSalary, they won’t need to wait for 30 days to access their salaries and will be able to make financial decisions with their own income.”

Overall, the partnership between ABHI and Hilal Group is a significant step towards improving financial well-being and increasing productivity among employees in Pakistan’s FMCG industry.

Discover more about ABHI and their services by visiting: www.abhi.com.pk or contact their public relations representative below.