KARACHI: Akram Khatoon: Guhar Honay Tak, the biography of the first woman of banking in Pakistan, penned by journalist Humaira Athar, was launched at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday.

While speaking at the launch, Akram Khatoon thanked the author for writing her story. “By writing this book you have made my parents happy. They must be smiling down from heaven,” she said, adding that she is grateful to God to have given her such parents who despite financial restraints made sure that their daughters received a good education.

“My mother wanted me to be famous and my father used to pray that I become president. And both these things came true,” she said.

“After completing my master’s I was teaching economics until I saw a State Bank job advertisement in the newspaper that reminded me of my ambitions of going into banking. I applied and got the job. I enjoyed teaching too and a time came when I also went back to teaching at Jinnah University. Another dream of mine was to do a PhD but I never could find the time for it. But then I was presented with an honorary Doctorate by the Governor of Sindh. This way all my wishes were fulfilled by God,” she said.

Speakers describe Akram Khatoon as simple, straightforward person with ‘zero tolerance for nonsense’

Meanwhile, Humaira Athar, the author, said that there are many remarkable people in the world like Akram Khatoon who need to pen their biographies. “They may belong to any profession but their life stories will inspire youth,” she said.

Earlier, educationist and writer Prof Dr Tauseef Ahmed said that the book proves that women can do anything if they are provided with opportunities. “Akram Khatoon went into banking on her own will. Then when setting up the First Women’s Bank, the prime minister of the time, Benazir Bhutto, selected her on pure merit. Later, there was also an incident when she refused to waive someone’s loan on the PM’s request and the latter accepted her decision,” he said, adding that every girl should read the book as it shows how hard work opens doors.

Professor Dr Rafia Taj said that she read the book in one sitting as she could not put it down. “Besides, the author’s style of writing is very smooth and flowing.”

Another distinguished banker and former president of the First Women’s Bank, Tahira Raza, said that as the president of the bank, Akram Khatoon was a considerate leader. “She trained her juniors with empathy and built a support system for others. She was our corporate mother and the bank today is synonymous with her name,” she said.

Yet another lady banker, Siddiq-i-Khalil, said that Akram Khatoon has always been a simple and straightforward lady. “She is a genuine person who also likes discipline and has zero tolerance for nonsense. Still from a boss she turned into our friend,” she said.

Tayyaba Mateen, who said that she interviewed Akram Khatoon in her live programme on Radio Pakistan, said that she found her to be an upfront and frank person.

Chancellor of Jinnah University, Wajihuddin Ahmed described Akram Khatoon as gold and Humaira Athar, her biographer, as a jeweller.

Barrister Shahida Jamil, Surraiya Qamar, Riffat Shabana and Humera Qureshi also spoke.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026