Writing a New Equation for Women in Finance

I have always loved numbers—how they work, how they connect, how they carry hidden stories behind them. Where others see columns and figures, I see patterns, clarity, and meaning. That’s what excites me the most about my work today: making sense of numbers, interpreting financial statements under IFRS, and uncovering the bigger picture behind every audit. But the journey here wasn’t easy. I first decided I wanted to become a Chartered Accountant back in Grade 8. At the time, it felt like a daring thought. People around me would remind me how tough the path was. And being a girl in a male-dominated profession, I often wondered whether I truly belonged. The turning point came when I secured a distinction in my AKU-EB exams. It was more than just a grade—it was a signal to me that I could do hard things, that I could dream bigger. That one achievement gave me the courage to stop holding back and start walking toward my goal. I went on to complete my higher secondary education under the AKU-EB system. Looking back, those years shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I learned to push past limits and not let fear decide what I could or couldn’t attempt. Eventually, I started my CA journey. It was long, it was demanding, but it was worth it. I qualified within my articleship at A.F. Ferguson in Karachi. And with that, I became the first female Chartered Accountant in my community. Even today, when I say those words, I have to pause. Being “the first” is never just about yourself—it’s about opening a door for others. And if my story makes it a little easier for the next girl, then every struggle was worth it.

Right now, I’m working at PwC UAE, one of the Big Four audit firms in the world. It still feels surreal sometimes. People don’t usually think of audit or IFRS as glamorous, but to me, this is where logic meets judgment, and where I feel most at home. As for the future—I know my journey has only begun. I want to explore deeper into external assurance and financial advisory. Someday, I hope to establish a women-led assurance firm in Pakistan, a space where women feel empowered, respected, and supported in pursuing this profession. That vision keeps me going. If there’s one message I want to share, especially with young girls, it is this: try. Even when the path looks impossible. Even when everyone around you says it’s too hard. Find that one reason to keep moving forward, because that single reason can change your life. I’ve learned there is no such thing as the “right time.” The moment you feel that spark, that desire to do something—that is your time. Trust it. Run with it. And remember: the sky is not the limit, it’s only the beginning.