Interview with Ms. Tara Uzra Dawood, the founder and president of LADIESFUND
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Tara Uzra Dawood: I am an entrepreneur, investor, and corporate leader with a strong commitment to innovation, ethical finance, women’s economic empowerment, and sustainable economic development in Pakistan. Over the years, I have remained associated with business leadership, strategic advisory roles, and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and regional economic cooperation.
I lead 786 Investments Ltd., a Shariah-compliant asset management and investment advisory firm focused on ethical and inclusive financial solutions. The company is in the process of launching a Voluntary Pension Scheme (VPS) and currently manages savings-oriented investment products, including a Hajj Fund designed to help individuals plan responsibly for their spiritual and financial future through Islamic investment principles.
My professional journey has been driven by the belief that Pakistan possesses immense untapped potential, particularly in its youth, SMEs, technology sector, and women-led enterprises. I strongly believe that economic resilience is built through long-term investment in human capital, institutional reforms, innovation, and ethical business practices.
Throughout my career, I have worked to bridge the gap between policy dialogue and practical business solutions while encouraging greater participation of women in leadership, finance, and the formal economy.
PAGE: Despite over two months of conflict and heightened uncertainty in the Gulf, remittance inflows continued to rise as Pakistan has received around $34 billion during July-April 2025-26. What is your take on it?
Tara Uzra Dawood: The continued rise in remittance inflows despite geopolitical tensions in the Gulf reflects the extraordinary resilience and commitment of overseas Pakistanis. Pakistani expatriates have consistently acted as an economic lifeline for the country, especially during periods of uncertainty. The inflows demonstrate not only their emotional attachment to Pakistan but also increasing confidence in formal banking channels.
Several factors have contributed to this growth. First, the digitization of financial services and improved banking accessibility have encouraged more remittances through official channels. Second, exchange rate stabilization and regulatory measures have reduced the attractiveness of informal transfer systems. Third, Pakistani professionals and skilled workers in the Gulf continue to expand their economic footprint in sectors such as construction, healthcare, technology, retail, and services.
Another important factor is the growing sense of financial caution among expatriates in light of regional instability and geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf. Many overseas Pakistanis increasingly feel more secure diversifying or relocating part of their savings back to Pakistan rather than keeping all of their funds in Gulf markets, particularly in uncertain times. This has also contributed to higher remittance inflows through formal channels.
At the same time, these figures should encourage policymakers to focus on long-term economic planning. Remittances are extremely valuable, but they should ideally complement a broader strategy based on exports, industrial productivity, technology development, and investment generation. Sustainable growth cannot rely on remittances alone.
PAGE: It is noteworthy that remittances have risen by $10 billion within two years. Do you anticipate the same trend in the forthcoming years?
Tara Uzra Dawood: I believe the remittance trend is likely to remain positive in the medium term, although the pace of growth may vary depending on global economic conditions and labor market dynamics in the Gulf region. Pakistan’s workforce remains highly competitive, and demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor continues in many Gulf economies undergoing infrastructure expansion and economic diversification.
However, sustaining this momentum requires strategic planning. Pakistan must invest more aggressively in skill development, vocational training, digital capabilities, and language proficiency so that our workforce can compete in higher-value sectors rather than remaining concentrated in low-income employment categories.
Additionally, we should create more investment opportunities for overseas Pakistanis. If remittances can increasingly flow into productive sectors such as housing, technology startups, renewable energy, manufacturing, and SMEs, the country can convert consumption-driven inflows into long-term economic assets.
I also believe that fintech innovation and stronger banking integration with overseas markets will continue to support formal remittance growth in the coming years.
PAGE: How would you comment on consumer financing during this fiscal year?
Tara Uzra Dawood: Consumer financing has shown signs of gradual recovery during this fiscal year after a prolonged period of tight monetary policy and economic caution. Higher interest rates in recent years had significantly reduced borrowing appetite among consumers, particularly in auto financing, housing finance, and durable goods financing.
As macroeconomic indicators begin to stabilize and inflationary pressures gradually ease, financial institutions are becoming more willing to expand consumer credit portfolios. However, the recovery remains cautious because purchasing power has been under pressure due to inflation and income uncertainty.
A balanced consumer financing ecosystem is important for economic growth because it stimulates demand, supports manufacturing, retail activity, and financial inclusion. Nevertheless, lending growth should remain responsible and sustainable. Financial literacy, risk assessment, and transparent lending practices are essential to prevent excessive household indebtedness.
Going forward, digital banking and fintech solutions are likely to transform consumer financing by making credit assessment more data-driven, accessible, and efficient.
PAGE: What is your perspective about Shariah-compliant financing facility for purchasing consumer durable goods?
Tara Uzra Dawood: Shariah-compliant financing has immense potential in Pakistan because a significant segment of the population prefers financial products aligned with Islamic principles. Financing facilities for consumer durable goods through Islamic banking can play a constructive role in improving financial inclusion while also supporting domestic consumption and industrial demand.
The growth of Islamic banking in Pakistan demonstrates increasing public trust in Shariah-compliant financial models. Products based on Murabaha, Ijarah, and Diminishing Musharakah structures provide consumers with ethical alternatives for acquiring household appliances, electronics, vehicles, and other durable goods.
However, it is important that Islamic financial institutions continue to focus on transparency, affordability, and customer education. Many consumers still do not fully understand the distinctions between conventional and Islamic financing structures. Greater awareness and simplified product design can help build stronger confidence.
I also believe Islamic finance should evolve beyond retail financing and contribute more actively toward entrepreneurship, SME development, women-led businesses, agriculture, and technology-driven enterprises. The true strength of Shariah-compliant finance lies in promoting inclusive and equitable economic growth rather than only serving as an alternative financing mechanism.