Nearly 100 million people in Pakistan do not have a bank account while 21% of this figure cited high costs as the main reason for not having an account. According to The Little Data Book on Financial Inclusion 2018 developed by the World Bank, in Pakistan, the gender gap is nearly 30%. Globally, financial inclusion has taken center stage to emerge as one of the topmost priorities for many countries. Many governments around the world are focusing their efforts into promoting greater financial inclusion, eradicating poverty and ensuring economic stability for all. Published in Daily Times, March 23rd 2019.