CEJ-IBA and Bank Alfalah Launch Scholarships

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The Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in partnership with Bank Alfalah, has announced a new initiative to provide scholarships for students pursuing journalism and to enhance the financial literacy of online content creators. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), underscores a shared commitment to fostering responsible financial reporting and promoting public awareness in Pakistan.

Under the agreement, Bank Alfalah will fund scholarships for five students enrolled in the Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ) program at IBA for the academic year 2024-25. Additionally, the bank will support capacity-building workshops aimed at educating twelve content creators on the intricacies of financial literacy. These workshops are designed to enable content creators to produce engaging and informative material that raises public awareness about financial matters.

Dr Asma Hyder, Professor and Dean of the School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS) at IBA, emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “Journalism is essential for an informed society and the strengthening of democracy. Our MSJ program equips students with the best practices in reporting, investigation, fact-checking, technology, and ethics. We are proud to have a competent faculty and visiting journalists who guide our students in producing accurate and engaging content that informs the public and supports a vibrant, democratic society.”

The initiative is particularly timely, as the financial sector in Pakistan becomes increasingly complex. Journalists equipped with specialized knowledge of financial instruments and markets are essential for accurate and impactful reporting. By providing financial assistance to MSJ students, the program aims to develop a new generation of journalists capable of investigating and reporting on financial issues with depth and responsibility.

Madiha Javed Qureshi, Head of Corporate Communication at Bank Alfalah, highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the bank’s broader goals: “This collaboration reflects Bank Alfalah’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and informed workforce while contributing to the nation’s financial well-being. By providing scholarships and empowering content creators through workshops, we are actively working to enhance responsible financial reporting that benefits both journalists and the public.”

CEJ-IBA’s Acting Head, Taimoor Ahmed, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We extend our sincere thanks to Bank Alfalah for their generous contribution. Their support is crucial in empowering young journalists and helping them realize their dreams. We look forward to achieving great results together.”

The initiative also supports broader economic goals in Pakistan by promoting financial inclusion, a critical factor in economic growth and poverty reduction. The partnership between CEJ and Bank Alfalah aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to participate fully in the economy, thereby fostering a healthier financial ecosystem in the country.