KARACHI: Former actor Mashal Khan has stressed the importance of women being financially independent and prepared to handle difficult circumstances, saying financial planning should not be based on expecting the worst but on being ready for unexpected situations.
In a recent interview, Mashal said promoting financial literacy and financial planning had become a personal mission for her, particularly because many people in Pakistan lacked access to clear and practical financial guidance.
She said women should understand their finances and prepare for situations in which they may suddenly have to manage their own affairs. According to Mashal, financial planning is not about expecting something bad to happen but about ensuring that a person has the ability to cope if an unforeseen situation arises.
She also emphasised that financial literacy is not exclusively a women’s issue and should be considered important for everyone.
Mashal criticised the financial sector in Pakistan, saying ordinary people were often overlooked while financial products and services were largely designed around wealthier customers.
She said many ordinary people felt uncomfortable visiting bank branches, while financial advertising and communication were often presented in English, making them less accessible to the wider population.
The former actor also spoke about poverty and education in Pakistan, saying she wanted to contribute positively to her country rather than simply pursue opportunities abroad.
Addressing the differences she sees between men and women in financial decision-making, Mashal argued that men can sometimes allow ego to influence their decisions, including in business and financial matters.
She said women can be adaptable in difficult circumstances and overcome challenges, while also pointing to research suggesting women can perform strongly in financial management and investment.
Mashal also discussed her decision to leave acting. She said she eventually realised that she wanted a different kind of life, with greater personal happiness, purpose and time for her family.
She clarified that she did not blame the entertainment industry itself but felt that the demanding working environment was not suitable for her. She said frequent health problems and hospital visits also contributed to her decision to change careers.
According to Mashal, acting required intense physical and emotional effort, leaving her with little time to read, spend time with her family or enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
She said she realised while working on her final project, Pagal Khana, that it would likely be her last acting role. Although the project reminded her why she had once loved acting, it also reinforced her desire for a life in which happiness was not limited to occasional moments.
Mashal now serves as a managing director and chief marketing officer at KTrade Securities, where she is involved in financial and retail investment activities. She also works on corporate leadership and digital advocacy related to financial awareness.
