Sanam Saeed takes centre stage on the latest cover of Niche Lifestyle, wearing Zainab Salman as she fronts a new fashion chapter for AlfaMall, an e-commerce venture by Bank Alfalah. Beyond the cover, we sit down one-on-one with Sanam for a conversation that moves from fashion to something far more personal and powerful: women and finance. From financial independence and making informed choices to the evolving relationship women have with money, Sanam brings her characteristic candour to a conversation that feels particularly relevant today. Against the backdrop of AlfaMall’s growing fashion universe, our cover story brings together style, access and financial empowerment; through the perspective of a woman who has long made choices on her own terms.
You’ve always seemed to choose roles for their substance rather than their visibility. Has that instinct become stronger with time?
I was fortunate in the beginning to get roles of substance in the beginning. The impact rose scripts had led me to become more conscious of the scripts I choose generally. With time I actually have become more open to choosing a variety of scripts instead of always sticking to serious message based dramas.
Through Kafeel, we see how deeply a woman’s circumstances can determine the choices available to her. How important do you think financial independence is in giving women the freedom to make those choices for themselves?
Financial independence is of utmost importance for a woman. It needs to be a priority in her training to be ready for the world. Parents must encourage their daughters to have their own income or learn how to manage their finances at least and not be so helplessly reliant on their father and then later their husband. Kafeel is a prime example of how handicapped a woman can be without it or how liberated she can be with it.
In a field where opportunities and income can often come in waves, how important has financial security been in allowing you to make career choices on your own terms?
I learnt the value of saving from a very young age. I was taught if you get x amount try to save 20% of that for example. And later on in life the same rule applied. Making smart investments with your income can help carry you through in unpredictable situations.
You’ve entered a chapter where you can choose what comes next. How powerful is it to be in a position where your decisions are driven by what you want rather than what you need?
I strongly believe it’s a state of mind I choose to be in. I’ve consciously never allowed myself to be in a state of need, but rather what my heart desires. And this not a privilege. It is a state of mind you choose to operate from and things automatically align themselves. That to me is a powerful state rather than position to be.
What’s one financial mindset you hope every young Pakistani woman carries with her as she builds her future?
Never be financially dependent on someone else for your sense of security. Build your own income, savings, and financial knowledge-because having your own money isn’t just about wealth, it’s about freedom, confidence, and the ability to make choices on your own terms.
How can accessible payment solutions like Bank Alfalah’s BNPL plans help empower women to take greater control of their financial choices and aspirations?
I think having accessible payment options gives women more flexibility in making financial decisions that work for them. I’ve noticed that women often put their own wants and aspirations on hold while prioritizing everyone else, so having more flexibility around how they pay for something can make those choices feel a little more achievable. Whether it’s investing in something they need, pursuing an aspiration, or simply managing a larger purchase, having that choice can make a real difference. For me, financial independence is also about having the freedom to make informed choices for yourself, and solutions like BNPL can be another tool towards that.
