Mr. Zafar Masud (President & CEO – BOP) addressed the inauguration of NOWPDP’s Lahore office, emphasizing the importance of disability inclusion. He shared valuable insights on overcoming challenges through practical solutions. His speech reflected a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive in all aspects of life.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion
Financial Inclusion for People with Special Abilities
Opening
It’s a truly groundbreaking moment for Lahore, and I hope it heralds the expansion of this initiative across Punjab. This is a very good starting point, and my sincere congratulations to you and your team for this groundbreaking news.
“Groundbreaking” is a word that truly resonates here. I believe every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be seen differently. This is a bold declaration that every individual, regardless of their ability, deserves the right to access financial services, participate in the economy, and shape their own future with dignity.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion as an Urgent Need
Let’s acknowledge the urgent need for inclusion in Pakistan. Millions of individuals facing various challenges continue to encounter barriers to accessing resources, opportunities, and the financial tools they need to live fulfilling lives. Lack of accessible infrastructure, societal and technological hurdles—these challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable. PDP has proven, through its efforts over the last 16 years, that this is a reality. It’s not that we cannot overcome these challenges; it’s a matter of time, of coming together and looking at things differently.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion and its Value
These are the people our organizations need. When they join us, the entire organizational culture changes. There is respect for everyone. By default, thinking changes, and perspectives shift. In today’s competitive world, unless you innovate and think outside the box, you stagnate. This can only happen within an inclusive environment. Without inclusion, you’re constantly struggling, rather than fostering sustainable growth.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion – A Call to Action
French intellectual Jean Monnet said that these people only accept change in necessity, and necessity only comes in crisis. The need for financial inclusion is no longer just a goal; it’s a necessity, a responsibility. We cannot postpone this. In this rapidly changing world of economic growth and technological advancement, we cannot leave anyone behind.
For too long, the financial sector has remained inaccessible to many. We are working to change this, to move the industry forward, but there is still a long way to go. Financial inclusion is not just about banking and monetary services; it’s about autonomy, dignity, and participation. It’s about ensuring everyone has the freedom and tools to contribute to society and reap the benefits of economic development.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion and Bank of Punjab’s Commitment
At the Bank of Punjab, financial inclusion is more than just a corporate social initiative; it’s a cornerstone of our mission to build an inclusive and equitable economy. Our actions speak louder than words. This kind of initiative is not possible in a country like Pakistan if approached solely as CSR. This is much beyond CSR. We must change that mindset. This is not CSR; this is our necessity. Unless we embed it into our systems, we will never achieve equal opportunity.
See also: Mr. Zafar Masud welcomes the first batch of differently-abled persons
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion – Breaking Down Barriers
Over the last few years, we’ve worked to break down the barriers preventing people with special abilities from fully accessing financial services, from physical accessibility of branches to working with the US industry to improve accessibility. More importantly, we need attitudinal change within the workforce to accept people with different abilities as a strength.
As Kapila said, instead of focusing on what someone lacks, we must recognize their strengths. This needs to be built into our systems and institutions. Including individuals with special abilities in our workforce and integrating inclusion as a core organizational tenet sends a powerful message to society.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion – A Collective Action and Partnerships
Financial inclusion cannot be achieved by one institution alone. It requires collective action—a coming together of organizations, policymakers, and corporate entities. Our partnerships with PDP and other organizations, particularly with the government of Punjab, reflect our belief in driving systemic change. PDP’s remarkable work, as highlighted in the video, has already impacted countless lives across the country, sharing the larger vision of a Pakistan where no one is left behind.
Overcoming Barriers and Mindsets
To achieve what we envision, old ways of doing things must be replaced with new and better solutions. The barriers, especially those of mindset, must be dismantled, and an inclusive system must take its place.
Mr. Zafar Masud on Disability Inclusion – Conclusion
Let me conclude by reiterating: inclusion is not charity. It is justice. It is not a favor; it is a fundamental human right. And it is not an end goal but a continuous journey.
To the team at PDP, congratulations on this remarkable work. To everyone here today, let us commit ourselves to this shared mission. Let us work together to build a Pakistan where financial inclusion is not a privilege, but a universal reality.
Thank you.
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