Azra Parveen from Chungi Amar Sidhu, Lahore, is a garment trader who has spent the last two decades building a business from a mere investment of Rs. 20,000.
“Twenty years ago, I worked at a rice mill to help my family make ends meet. But despite my hard work, the income wasn't enough to support our household. That's when I decided to take a chance on myself and start my own business.”
"I began with children's clothing, and it earned me good money. Encouraged by that, I moved on to men's clothing, and then women's clothing, but the competition in women's clothing was overwhelming, and my profits dropped. So I left that and started working in ready-made garments instead. That is where I truly found my footing."
For the past 15 years, she has received interest-free loans from Akhuwat on multiple occasions, reinvesting each loan into growing her business. As of June 2026, Akhuwat has disbursed more than PKR 3 million in interest-free loans to female beneficiaries nationwide.
Today, her business runs from two places at once, a garage on College Road, which she shares with her friend, a bangle and jewellery seller, and a rickshaw that becomes a shop whenever the mood strikes.
"I'm using my rickshaw as a mobile shop, ready to sell anywhere whenever I feel the need to reach the masses."
When there's a gathering, outside a clinic, a hospital, a market, Azra and her friend load the rickshaw and go. They don't hesitate. They park, unload, and start selling, keeping their margins thin enough that most families in the crowd can actually afford what they're buying.
"Many poor people cannot afford suits worth Rs. 5,000 or Rs. 2,000, so we give them high-quality children's suits for just Rs. 300 and ladies' three-piece suits for Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200. It makes me happy to see them wear good clothes."
"My family supports me in every way," she mentioned, with a bright smile. She further added:
"One of the reasons I was able to sustain my own business is the constant support of my family. Despite my husband being 74, he still works as a night security guard. My three sons help however they can, two drive for InDrive, one works as a mechanic, and all of them ride out to the market with me, bringing goods home on their motorcycles."
Years ago, through a local committee savings system, Azra put aside Rs. 600,000 and lent it to one of her sons so he could buy a car.
Azra also spoke about her granddaughters, the ones who bring laughter and joy into the family.
"When I was young, I dreamt of pursuing higher education, but as the family was not well established, I had to leave my education midway and got married early. But now, seeing my granddaughters and their big dreams, my heart fills with joy and emotion."
She has four. Their father works in a car garage, and his income alone isn't enough, so Azra pays the school fees herself for the three who are old enough to attend. The youngest is still too small for school, but not too small to already have a dream.
"My granddaughters are very ambitious. One wants to join the army, another dreams of becoming a doctor, one hopes to become an Alima, and the youngest wants to be a policewoman."
According to the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023 by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, women make up 48.5% of Pakistan's population , making them an indispensable force in the country's social and economic development. Whether managing households, pursuing careers, or running businesses, women contribute significantly to their families and the nation's economy.
"I want every woman in Pakistan to be empowered, regardless of income or education level, so that we can contribute equally to the economy."