The State Bank of Pakistan, Banking Service Corporation (SBP BSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Women Pakistan to advance financial inclusion and literacy, with a particular focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The agreement was formalised at a ceremony held in Karachi, attended by Mr. Maraj Mahmood, Managing Director of SBP BSC, and Mr. Jamshed Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan. Both organisations said the partnership highlights their shared commitment to creating more opportunities for women to participate in Pakistan’s economy through better access to financial tools and resources.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jamshed Kazi said inclusive financial systems are vital for progress on gender equality. Mr. Maraj Mahmood reaffirmed the State Bank’s plans to strengthen women’s participation in the financial sector.

The MoU sets out several areas of cooperation, including hosting joint seminars, running awareness and training programmes, and carrying out research to identify obstacles faced by women in accessing finance. Expanding the use of digital financial services is also a key element, particularly in underbanked regions, with the aim of creating sustainable pathways for women’s economic empowerment.

This partnership aligns with UN Women’s continuing work on women’s economic empowerment under the Beijing+30 review process and Pakistan’s national pledges on gender equality. Although the MoU does not establish legally binding commitments, it provides a framework for cooperation, allowing both organisations to combine expertise and resources to drive practical impact.