British High Commissioner Visits Kashf Foundation to learn about Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiatives
19 September 2025 Lahore, Pakistan.
British High Commissioner H.E. Jane Marriott and Head of Lahore Office Ben Warrington with Kashf Foundation CFO Shahzad Iqbal, COO Mumtaz Iqbal, S. Com, Grants & External Engagement Lead Amna Kausar and successful women micro-entrepreneurs during their visit to Kashf’s Head Office in Lahore on September 19, 2025
LAHORE – British High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Jane Marriott and Head of Lahore Office British High Commission Ben Warrington visited Kashf Foundation headquarters to review its women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion programs. The delegation met with the foundation’s leadership and successful women entrepreneurs who have scaled their businesses through microfinance support.
From Left to Right: Head of Lahore Office British High Commission Ben Warrington, British High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Jane Marriott and Outreach and Events Officer Reema Salman
During the visit, Kashf Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Mumtaz Iqbal presented the organization’s achievements including its reach of over 950,000 active borrowers and a 99% repayment rate. Kashf’s comprehensive approach combines financial services with capacity building delivered through a network of 250 trainers who provide personalized business development support.
Interactions with British High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Jane Marriott and Head of Lahore Office British High Commission Ben Warrington
Kashf’s stars, our women entrepreneurs, sharing their experiences with the British High Commission alongside Kashf Foundation leadership
The High Commissioner engaged with Kashf’s women entrepreneurs including successful business owners who have created significant employment opportunities in their communities. Notable among them were a catering business owner employing 21 women and graduates of Kashf’s business development & financial literacy programs who have expanded their enterprises while supporting their children’s education.
Chief Financial Officer Shahzad Iqbal briefed the delegation on Kashf’s operational framework highlighting how the organization has grown to 6,000 staff members. Kashf’s innovative social advocacy through public awareness campaigns, media and drama productions was also discussed with particular focus on addressing critical issues by S. Com, Grants & External Engagement Lead Amna Kausar.
A very interactive and deep dive into Kashf Foundation’s programming with the British High Commission keeping focus on women’s financial inclusion, their economic empowerment, key challenges and strategic directions: Kashf Foundation Lahore Head Office, September 19, 2025
The visit included a presentation on the overall programming of Kashf, its strategic business plan and a showcase of the ‘Udaari’ project, which promotes traditional crafts while creating sustainable livelihoods for women artisans. Kashf Foundation, which received early support from one of its key partners the UK aid along with investments from British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has expanded its services to cater to 8 million lives over the last 30 years (1995-2025).
Presentation of Kashf mementoes by CFO Shahzad Iqbal and COO Mumtaz Iqbal to British High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Jane Marriott at our Head Office in Lahore; September 19, 2025
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation for Kashf’s comprehensive approach to women’s economic empowerment and its role in transforming communities through sustainable financial inclusion.
For further information: amna.kausar@kashf.org.
