Mr. Asghar Ali Memon brings over 25 years of expertise in financial services, with a career dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and uplifting marginalized communities. His extensive experience spans leadership roles in microfinance, credit risk management, research, institutional governance enhancement and business development. He has collaborated with esteemed international organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and IFAD. As a founding member of the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC), he was instrumental in scaling its portfolio to PKR 30 billion, emphasizing rural development, empowerment and gender equality.
At DSP, Mr. Memon’s strategic vision drives sustainable financial solutions that reach underserved areas across Pakistan. Under his leadership, DSP has implemented impactful financial programs serving over a million clients, with a strong focus on women-led and rural communities. Mr. Memon’s commitment to innovation and resilience within the microfinance sector positions him as a crucial leader in achieving DSP’s mission of fostering economic inclusion and community development.
Mr. Wajid Ali Khan, is a talented individual from a small town, Nowshera KPK. He has a master Degree in Banking and Finance, a Fellow Member of Public Finance Accountants and C.A. Finalist. Mr. Khan has an experience of Twenty years in the field of accountancy and Financial Management in the development sector. At the moment, he is heading the Finance and Administration department of DSP as Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Damen Support Programme, Mr. Khan has broadened his horizons by working with some other respected organizations like Welthungerhilfe (a German NGO), Save the Children-Sweden, in Pakistan & Afghanistan & WADAN Afghanistan. His expertise includes, internal controls, liquidity management, business planning / budgeting & reporting.
Athmar Arbab serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Damen Support Programme (DSP), where he oversees the strategic and operational leadership of the institution’s core departments: Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Product Development & Marketing. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, driving digital transformation, strengthening internal systems, and fostering a culture of performance and accountability across the organization. With over a decade of experience in the microfinance and development sector, Athmar has held key leadership and technical roles in prominent national and international institutions, including HBL Microfinance Bank, BRAC Pakistan, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), UNDP, and the Pakistan Microfinance Network. His professional journey spans a wide range of thematic areas such as financial inclusion, institutional development, monitoring and evaluation, regulatory compliance, and social performance management. Throughout his career, Athmar has demonstrated a strong commitment to pro-poor financial systems and inclusive economic growth. He is known for his ability to navigate complex systems, lead multidisciplinary teams, and align operational strategy with institutional goals. Athmar holds a Master’s degree in Poverty and Development from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Middlesex University, London. He combines analytical thinking with a practical, field-oriented approach, ensuring that DSP continues to deliver impactful financial services to underserved communities across Pakistan.
Mr. Hassaan Tariq, born in Lahore, holds a graduate degree in Computer Sciences along with diploma and certification in RDBMS and relevant technology tools. Mr. Tariq has excelled in his field and gained more than twenty years of diversified experience by serving in numerous SMEs and NGOs. His proficiency includes deploying and successfully implementing information technology solutions ranging from Desktop to Client/Server solutions. After joining Damen Support Programme in 2007 till date, he is managing the current I.T setup by heading the Information Technology department quite devotedly. His major contribution to DSP was the successful conversion of a distributed database system into the currently operational online-centralized MIS involving three sub-categories (Loan Tracking System (LTS), Financial Information System (FIS) and Human Resource Information System (HRIS)).
Mr. Muhammad Junaid holds postgraduate degrees in Engineering Geology and Business Administration, with a specialization in Human Resource Management from the University of the Punjab. With over 23 years of experience in the microfinance sector, he brings a wealth of practical knowledge in growth planning, product development, market research, and risk assessment. He possesses extensive hands-on experience in formulating growth strategies, innovating product designs, conducting market research, and evaluating risk. Recognized as an effective leader and skilled communicator, he brings a strategic approach to operational management. His strong analytical capabilities enable him to enhance process efficiency, boost productivity, and implement robust performance monitoring across diverse portfolios. Mr. Junaid began his professional journey at Republic Engineering Corporation before joining Damen Support Programme (DSP) as a Credit Officer. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in DSP’s expansion from just seven field offices to its current scale, taking on various leadership roles and contributing to organizational development. Currently, he serves as General Manager – Operations, overseeing field activities at the program level and continuing to shape the growth trajectory of DSP.
Awais Masud is a seasoned professional with over twelve years of extensive experience in marketing, management, and product development. Holding a Master's degree in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Hull, UK, he joined Damen Support Programme (DSP) in April 2014. Awais's journey at DSP began as an internee/junior professional, and over the past 12 years, he has steadily progressed to his current role as General Manager of Product Development, a testament to his dedication and expertise.
In his current role, Awais leads the design and implementation of market-aligned financial products and solutions. His tenure has seen the successful development and launch of multiple products that cater to evolving customer needs, as well as the efficient management of cross-functional project teams and stakeholder relationships.
Before joining DSP, Awais gained valuable international experience working with renowned organizations such as Accor Group's Ibis and Hampton by Hilton in London, where he held key roles in operations and guest services management. He also worked at Barclays Bank in Pakistan as a lead generator for banking sales, consistently achieving his sales targets and honing his skills in customer service and financial operations.
At DSP, Awais has also held pivotal roles, including Senior Manager of Operations and Marketing, managing 18 branch offices and a team of 150, significantly enhancing client retention and acquisition. His strategic direction in marketing and communication has further strengthened DSP's market presence. Awais's international exposure and dynamic approach continue to contribute to the organization's growth and success.
Ms. Riaz attained her Masters in Economics from the University of Punjab in 2002 and achieved a certification in Human Resource Management from Pakistan Institute of Management (PIM). Having more than fifteen years of professional experience in the field of Microfinance, she acquired diverse knowledge and experience consisting of strategic planning, business & product development, credit & financial management, risk & compliance management and Human Resource Management (HRM) with special reference to Micro-finance sector. She started her career in 2001 by joining “KASHF Foundation” as a Branch Manager and was promoted as an Area Manager and in the Risk & Compliance department. Before joining DSP, she worked as Programme Manager in “RCDP”. She joined Damen Support Programme in 2014 as Manager Human & Institutional Development, core objectives of this department are to ensure that personnel are hired, trained, compensated, developed and engaged in most meaningful manners.
Ms. Rukshanda has attended leadership program in 2008, offered by “Women World Banking” in New York, USA and leadership program offered by LUMS, Lahore. She also has international exposure of Bangladesh microfinance institutes Brac, Asa & Grameen.
Ms. Sadia Munir, an individual from Sialkot, holds a post-graduate degree in Public Administration and has ten years of experience in the field of Risk Management. Presently she is holding the position of Manager Risk at Damen Support Programme. Being a Risk Manager, she is actively involved in tasks related to the Risk department such as identifying, measuring, mitigating and communicating risks that DSP is exposed to which includes credit, operational, market, liquidity, interest rate, event, strategic, reputational and any other risk. This department has the leading role in policy, portfolio and standard setting for risk within Damen Support Programme.
