Bank Alfalah has joined hands with the Legal Aid Society (LAS) to launch “ADAL – Justice with Dignity, Awareness and Empowerment,” an initiative designed to enhance financial and legal literacy among Pakistan’s marginalized communities. The one-year project aims to empower 2,000 individuals through structured education, awareness, and access to justice, underscoring both organizations’ shared vision of inclusion and equity.
Supported by a PKR 6 million contribution from Bank Alfalah, the ADAL project represents the bank’s deepening commitment to sustainable corporate social responsibility. By combining financial education with legal awareness, the program seeks to empower communities that are often left outside formal systems of justice and finance. The Legal Aid Society, one of Pakistan’s leading justice-sector organizations, will oversee implementation across low-income neighborhoods in Karachi.
Over the course of twelve months, LAS-trained paralegals will conduct 100 community awareness sessions focused on improving understanding of legal rights, financial decision-making, and access to justice. The sessions will particularly target women and minority communities, helping participants gain the confidence and tools needed to navigate financial and legal challenges in their everyday lives.
Speaking about the initiative, Mian Ejaz Ahmad, Company Secretary and Group Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs at Bank Alfalah, emphasized that the partnership reflects the bank’s mission to promote social equity and inclusion. “This engagement with the Legal Aid Society is a meaningful step toward building a more equitable and just Pakistan,” he said. “The ADAL project aligns with our vision of empowering communities and reducing systemic inequalities. We are proud to support an organization that consistently stands beside those most in need of professional and legal assistance.”
Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society, explained that justice must be accessible beyond the confines of legal institutions. “Justice is not an abstract concept—it influences every aspect of a person’s life, including health, education, and livelihood. Through ADAL, we are working to make justice tangible, rooted in dignity, and available to those who need it most,” she said.
In addition to educational sessions, ADAL will provide pro bono legal representation for women facing financial or legal difficulties, ensuring that lack of resources does not prevent them from seeking justice. The initiative aims to help participants understand their legal rights while equipping them with the financial literacy necessary to make informed economic decisions.
The ADAL project also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Both Bank Alfalah and LAS view the program as part of a larger effort to foster inclusive development and social progress in Pakistan.
Throughout its implementation, the initiative will include regular progress assessments to ensure accountability and transparency. The project’s structure provides a model for how corporate institutions and civil society can collaborate effectively to address systemic challenges in justice and financial inclusion.
By combining financial literacy with legal empowerment, ADAL represents a forward-looking approach to community development—one that strengthens both individual capacities and institutional frameworks for long-term sustainability.
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