Standard Chartered Pakistan Honored for Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

Karachi: Standard Chartered Pakistan has been recognized for its efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion, receiving two notable awards in June 2025. The bank was awarded the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Diamond Recognition Award by the Employer’s Federation of Pakistan, highlighting its commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive workplace. Additionally, the bank was acknowledged at the inaugural Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards for its achievements in best accessible documentation, employment for women with disabilities, and disability inclusion training and capacity building.

With a diversity ratio of 29%, Standard Chartered Pakistan has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a workplace culture that values and celebrates diversity. Over the past two years, the bank has sponsored the country’s largest career fair for differently abled job seekers, connecting over 900 youth with more than 40 prospective employers.

The bank has taken steps to engage the wider industry by hosting the first-ever roundtable for banking industry HR heads to promote disability-confident hiring practices. This year, it also sponsored ‘HuroofAccess25,’ an event focused on the financial and workplace inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Additionally, Standard Chartered Pakistan is upskilling its staff in sign language, and a virtual sign language interpretation application has been introduced at select branches.

Yasir Khwaja, Head of HR at Standard Chartered Pakistan, emphasized the bank’s inclusive culture as a key competitive advantage. He noted that the bank’s inclusive practices, such as flexible working arrangements, equalized parental leave policies, and proactive efforts in hiring and supporting persons with disabilities, have been instrumental in maintaining its market-leading diversity ratio.

Khwaja stated, “Our culture of inclusion is not just a core value but a strategic differentiator for us. These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive by creating enabling environments, addressing biases, and leveraging technology.”