Bank Alfalah, one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks of Pakistan, partnered with the Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at IBA Karachi, to conduct EmpowerED, a five-day training program designed to equip digital content creators with essential knowledge in financial literacy, online safety, and responsible digital practices.
According to the latest Digital 2025 Global Overview Report, Pakistan was home to 66.9 million social media user identities in January 2025, representing 26.4 percent of the total population. In addition, data from Global System for Mobile Communications Associations reported 190 million cellular mobile connections in the country at the start of the year, amounting to over 75 percent of the population. With the rising influence and popularity of digital creators, Bank Alfalah recognized the need for long-term capacity building in digital literacy and financial fraud prevention, particularly for individuals operating independently in the online space.
The five-day training offered a comprehensive curriculum focused on strengthening content creators’ skills in building a credible digital presence, engaging audiences effectively, and monetising content across platforms. Participants learned to navigate financial responsibilities, protect their digital assets, and recognise online threats. Sessions covered practical areas such as budgeting, platform strategy, responsible online behaviour, and an introduction to key financial tools essential for freelancers. With a diverse group of attendees and expert insights from the creator economy, the program provided a well-rounded perspective on digital safety, financial empowerment, and sustainable growth in the online space.
Shahzeb Jillani, Director of IBA-CEJ said, “As the media landscape evolves, content creators are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping public discourse, culture, and business. However, many enter this space without formal exposure to critical concepts like digital responsibility, financial planning, and online safety. At CEJ, we see it as our responsibility to bridge that gap. By equipping creators with the right tools and knowledge, we’re not only investing in their individual growth but also strengthening the foundations of a more informed and resilient digital ecosystem in Pakistan.”
Madiha Javed Qureshi, Head of Communications from Bank Alfalah, emphasised the significance of the initiative. “At Bank Alfalah, we believe that empowering our communities with financial knowledge and digital security awareness is fundamental. In a time where digital interactions are a growing part of our lives, ensuring the safety and financial well-being of individuals is a responsibility we take seriously. Our partnership with IBA-CEJ demonstrates our longstanding commitment to building a more financially literate and cyber-secure Pakistan.”
The program hosted 15 participants, benefiting from the expertise of a distinguished panel of instructors from various industries. These included, distinguished content creators Kazi Akber and Riffat Rashid, Faisal Sheikh, Digital Media Consultant and Co-founder and CEO of Jack of Digital, Mutahir Khan from Data Darbar, Mudabbir Jamil, Head of Cybersecurity at Bank Alfalah, Ahsan Mankee, Head of Learning Department at Bank Alfalah, Talal Ahsan from iVerify, Ahsan Aghai, Digital Marketing Consultant and Fariha Aziz from Bolo Bhi. Their collective experience provided participants with invaluable, real-world insights.
This partnership between Bank Alfalah and IBA-CEJ is a long-term capacity building initiative to leapfrog Pakistan’s digital space by empowering content creators with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to grow responsibly, safeguard their online presence, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital economy.
