Faysal Bank Limited has won the Employer of Choice Gender Diversity Award 2026 in the Family-Friendly Workplace category. The International Finance Corporation and Pakistan Business Council organised the awards to recognise progress on workplace diversity and gender equality. Senator Sherry Rehman presented the honour to Faysal Bank. The award recognises the bank’s efforts to support employee well-being, inclusion, equity and work-life balance. It also highlights policies that help employees manage different stages of their personal and professional lives. The PBC-IFC awards programme evaluates how companies integrate gender diversity into workplace policies and daily practices. Its framework also considers whether employers disclose their progress and provide evidence of implemented measures. The organisers use a Gender Diversity and Disclosure Scorecard to assess participating companies. PBC and IFC update the scorecard each year to reflect new workplace practices and lessons from earlier award cycles. More than 70 companies have participated during the programme’s first four cycles, according to the Pakistan Business Council. Faysal Bank links recognition to CARE value Faysal Bank President and CEO Yousaf Hussain described the award as recognition of the bank’s people-focused workplace strategy. “With CARE being one of our core Islamic values, we at Faysal Bank strongly believe that a thriving organization begins with a workplace where people feel valued, supported and empowered. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where our colleagues can grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We remain committed to strengthening our people-centric practices and fostering an inclusive workplace where all colleagues have the opportunity to thrive, including women and persons with disabilities, where every individual can contribute, grow and succeed with peace of mind, Insha’Allah.” The statement places employee care at the centre of the bank’s workplace culture. It also connects inclusion with professional growth, personal well-being and equal access to opportunities. Faysal Bank has separately highlighted programmes for women’s professional development and workplace inclusion. Its initiatives include the Amal Women Leadership Development Programme and activities supporting employees with disabilities. The bank says its employees remain central to its growth and institutional success. It plans to continue improving the overall employee experience across its operations. Award highlights family-friendly workplace policies The Family-Friendly Workplace category focuses attention on policies that help employees balance professional duties with responsibilities outside work. Such measures can include flexible working arrangements, maternity and parental support, childcare assistance and return-to-work programmes. Safe workplaces and fair career development also play an important role in retaining women. IFC and PBC have worked together since 2017 to advance women’s employment in Pakistan. Their awards encourage companies to set diversity targets and publicly report progress. Faysal Bank said it would continue strengthening its workplace practices after receiving the 2026 honour. It also aims to support higher diversity and inclusion standards across Pakistan’s financial services sector.
How Faysal Bank Is Helping Talented Students Study at LUMS
Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) has renewed its long-standing partnership with the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to expand access to quality education and create opportunities for talented students across Pakistan. A senior Faysal Bank delegation visited the LUMS campus. The delegation was led by Chairman of the Board of Directors Mian Muhammad Younis. It also included Director Hafiz Mohammad Yousaf, President and CEO Yousaf Hussain, and other senior officials. During the visit, the delegation met LUMS Founding Pro Chancellor Syed Babar Ali. The visit highlighted the importance of investing in education. It also reinforced the role of partnerships in developing Pakistan’s future workforce. Bank Contributes to National Outreach Programme A key moment of the visit was the presentation of a cheque to the LUMS management. The contribution will support the university’s National Outreach Programme (NOP). The programme helps talented students from across Pakistan receive quality education, regardless of their financial background. In addition, LUMS unveiled a commemorative plaque recognising Faysal Bank’s contribution. The university also named an auditorium in its Academic Block in honour of the bank’s support. Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Mian Muhammad Younis said, “This partnership with LUMS is a natural expression of a shared vision that true progress is measured not just by achievement, but by the impact it creates for others. Faysal Bank’s transformation into a fully Islamic entity was guided by this same conviction, and through the Faysal Islami Scholars Programme, we are privileged to ensure financial circumstances never stand between deserving students and the opportunities LUMS offers. May this collaboration remain a lasting source of benefit for Pakistan.” The National Outreach Programme began in 2001. Since then, it has helped thousands of deserving students enter LUMS through financial support, mentoring and academic guidance. Focus on Future Leaders Meanwhile, Faysal Bank President and CEO Yousaf Hussain said education remains one of the strongest investments an institution can make. “At Faysal Bank, we believe the most valuable investment any institution can make is in people. This partnership with LUMS reflects our deep commitment to education as a cornerstone of a stronger, more inclusive economy and we are proud to support the next generation of finance professionals who combine technical excellence with ethical leadership,” he said. The bank completed its transition to a fully Islamic bank in 2022. Since then, it has expanded initiatives related to financial inclusion, ethical banking and education. As a result, it has strengthened its position in Pakistan’s growing Islamic finance sector. Partnership Supports Pakistan’s Future Syed Babar Ali welcomed the continued collaboration. He thanked Faysal Bank for supporting the university over the years. “The true value of philanthropy lies in creating opportunities that continue to benefit society for generations. We are grateful to Faysal Bank for its enduring support of LUMS and for recognizing that investing in education is an investment in Pakistan’s future,” he said. Furthermore, Faysal Bank said it will continue supporting projects that promote education and social development. The bank believes these partnerships create long-term benefits for students, communities and the national economy. Corporate support for higher education has increased in Pakistan in recent years. Therefore, partnerships like this are helping universities expand opportunities, strengthen research and prepare graduates for leadership roles in the country’s evolving economy.
