The University of Home Economics (UHE), Lahore, has taken a significant step toward digital transformation by partnering with First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) to launch a streamlined digital fee payment system for its students. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain, Vice Chancellor of UHE, and Mr. Farrukh Iqbal Khan, President and CEO of FWBL, during a ceremony held at the university.
This collaboration aims to improve financial accessibility for students by integrating fee payments into modern digital channels. Under the new arrangement, students will be able to make payments through Kuickpay, a digital payment gateway that connects with widely used banking apps and mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa. In addition to digital channels, the agreement also ensures the availability of over-the-counter payment options at bank branches, catering to students and families who may still prefer traditional methods.
The signing ceremony at UHE was attended by senior representatives from both institutions, reflecting the importance of this partnership for both the education and financial sectors. From FWBL, the ceremony was graced by Mr. Faisal Hussain, Head of Business; Mr. Irfan Malik, Head of Operations; Ms. Sakina Alam, Head of Human Resource Development; and Ms. Mobina Tariq, RBH Central. From UHE, Registrar Ms. Madiha Naz also participated in the proceedings. Their presence underscored the joint commitment to promoting digital adoption in higher education.
The initiative highlights the growing role of financial technology in Pakistan’s education sector. By offering a convenient and secure method for fee submission, UHE is not only simplifying the process for students but also contributing to the broader national agenda of digital financial inclusion. Students who previously had to rely on lengthy and often inconvenient cash-based transactions will now be able to use their smartphones or banking apps to complete payments quickly and efficiently.
For First Women Bank, this collaboration aligns with its mission of expanding financial access and promoting digital services that empower individuals, particularly women, to engage more effectively with the financial system. FWBL’s partnership with UHE demonstrates how banks can play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between technology and traditional sectors such as education. By offering a range of payment channels, the bank is ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Industry experts view this development as part of a larger trend where universities across Pakistan are embracing digital solutions to enhance their operations and improve student services. As financial technology continues to gain traction, digital payment solutions are becoming essential in education, healthcare, and government sectors. This partnership not only benefits UHE students but also sets a precedent for other academic institutions to follow, thereby accelerating the shift toward a cashless and digitally connected society.
With increasing smartphone penetration and a growing culture of mobile banking, initiatives like this are expected to gain momentum. The UHE-FWBL collaboration represents how digital transformation can bring practical solutions to everyday challenges faced by students and families, while also fostering trust in digital payment systems. It is a step forward in ensuring that higher education in Pakistan keeps pace with technological change and the evolving needs of students.
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