KARACHI: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, in collaboration with HBL, Pakistan’s premier private sector bank, has announced the five winners of the 2026 edition of the She’s Next program in Pakistan at a finals pitch event held in Karachi.
The winners were selected from nearly 3,500 applicants across the country following a three-month program that began in November 2025. Each winning woman-owned enterprise received a USD 10,000 grant, along with tailored training, expert mentorship, and access to the She’s Next Club, including a workshop library and a national community of entrepreneurs.
The five winners include Aiman Shafique – EV Square, Anusha Fatima – TrashIt, Fizza Hussain – Khaas Foodz Kitchen, Maira Siddiqui – Chiragh Education Technologies, and Meesha Baig – Goud. Anusha Fatima of TrashIt received the Sustainability Award, introduced for the first time this year, recognizing innovation in waste management and environmental impact with direct public health relevance.
The winning businesses represent diverse sectors including education, waste management, food, digital services, and healthcare, reflecting the growing role of women entrepreneurs in areas linked to community wellbeing, sustainability, and economic resilience.
An independent jury evaluated applications based on business growth, digital presence, problem-solving ability, and entrepreneurial maturity. Jury members included Maya Inayat Ismail, Chairperson HBL Microfinance Bank; Naz Khan, Principal Country Officer, IFC; Dan Baxter, Vice President Corporate Communications & Events, Visa CEMEA; Mubariz Siddiqui, Founding Partner, Carbon Law; and Ali Ladhubhai, Co-Founder, Abhi Microfinance Bank.
Visa and HBL highlighted that women-led businesses in Pakistan are increasingly adopting digital tools, artificial intelligence, and secure payment technologies to scale operations, reach new markets, and create socially responsible enterprises. The She’s Next initiative continues to support women entrepreneurs as key contributors to Pakistan’s digital economy, sustainability goals, and public health-aligned development.
