From Balochistan to a Thriving Career in Banking

Muhammad Jameel (BSc Accounting and Finance 2022) hails from Duki, a small district in Balochistan. Coming from such an underprivileged region of Pakistan to securing a job in the banking sector was a testament to his dedication to serve Pakistan. In his area, access to educational facilities is limited because earlier generations did not believe in the value of education. His father recalls people telling him, "You are wasting your money on educating your children who will be nothing but a burden in later years. It would be better to put them to work so they can support the family." However, despite not completing his own education for various reasons, Jameel's father was determined to ensure his children received an education at any cost.

When Jameel applied for the National Outreach Programme (NOP) summer coaching session, he began watching videos about LUMS, which filled him with excitement. Initiated in 2001, the NOP furthers the University’s vision of providing premium education to talented students across the country, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Programme won the global Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Platinum Award in 2021 in the 'Best Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion' category. The CASE Platinum Awards recognise world-class programmes and practices in educational advancement.

Jameel is the first and only person from his region to gain admission to LUMS. The day Jameel received his acceptance letter was a moment of immense joy. He vividly remembers the happiness on his mother's face when he told her about his acceptance with a 120% scholarship, even though she did not fully understand the significance of LUMS.

Jameel will never forget the sense of achievement and his parents’ happiness when they attended his convocation, being the only ones from their region to witness their child's success. Their quiet and proud expressions seemed to say, "Look, we have done it! Look, our child did it." Jameel is grateful to LUMS, and the NOP team for making his dream a reality without financial worries.

Currently, Jameel works at Habib Bank Limited (HBL), as a Relationship Manager in the Corporate Banking group. He credits his success to the opportunities provided by LUMS and the NOP.