Karandaaz, Walee partner to launch shariah-compliant digital financing for women entrepreneurs

October 21, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has taken a significant step toward advancing women’s economic inclusion with the launch of Khudmukhtar Khatoon the country’s first Shariah-compliant, digital, asset-financing solution exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs.

The initiative has been launched under a strategic partnership between Karandaaz Pakistan and Walee Financial Services, formalised at a signing ceremony attended by senior leadership from both organisations, said a press release issued.

The Khudmukhtar Khatoon program directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges faced by women-led businesses in Pakistan: limited access to growth-oriented finance. Unlike conventional loans, this model provides asset-based financing instead of cash disbursements, enabling women to acquire the business assets necessary to launch, operate, or expand their enterprises.

 By linking financing directly to productive inputs, the project ensures that capital translates into sustainable business outcomes rather than short-term liquidity.

To ensure inclusivity and equitable access, the initiative adopts a tier-based framework that categorises entrepreneurs into four levels based on documentation, financial history, and business experience. This approach enables participation from a broad spectrum of women, ranging from home-based entrepreneurs with limited records to established businesses operating under formal structures.

Each tier is matched with tailored asset financing, ensuring that every participant receives support aligned with her business maturity and growth potential.

Launched initially as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) phase, the project will focus on women-dominated sectors such as apparel and tailoring, food services, and beauty services areas that represent strong potential for scalable impact.

The MVP will act as a testing ground to evaluate demand, operational feasibility, and product-market fit, paving the way for a nationwide rollout.

Speaking at the ceremony, Waqas ul Hasan, CEO of Karandaaz Pakistan, highlighted the project’s alignment with the national development agenda and the Gates Foundation’s priorities for women’s financial inclusion.

“Through Khudmukhtar Khatoon, Karandaaz is proud to pioneer a model that meets the financing needs of women entrepreneurs in a way that aligns with local values and economic priorities. This collaboration with Walee Financial Services represents a vital step toward building inclusive financial systems that enable women to become active contributors to Pakistan’s growth,” he said.

Noshad Minhas, CEO and Co-Founder of Walee Financial Services, described the project as a landmark in dignified and sustainable empowerment for women entrepreneurs.

“Khudmukhtar Khatoon empowers women with dignity, choice, and opportunity. This innovative, Shariah-compliant model has the potential to redefine access to finance for women in Pakistan,” he stated.

Sharjeel Murtaza, Chief Digital Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, emphasized the project’s focus on impact-driven financial inclusion:

“Financial inclusion must go beyond access it must create pathways for women to thrive as business leaders. Khudmukhtar Khatoon reflects our mission to bridge systemic gaps and enable women to achieve their full potential.”

The pilot will serve as a proof of concept for a first-of-its-kind, Shariah-compliant, women-focused asset financing model in Pakistan.

It will generate valuable insights on product design, operational performance, and women’s financial needs, with the long-term goal of scaling and mainstreaming such financing solutions nationwide.

By integrating digital innovation, Islamic finance principles, and gender inclusion, Khudmukhtar Khatoon aims to set a new precedent for women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan, contributing to a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive economy.

Copyright Mettis Link News