The National Institute of Banking and Finance Pakistan (NIBAF Pakistan), in collaboration with the Islamic Finance Development Department (IFDD) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), conducted a two-day capacity building programme for Shariah scholars at its Islamabad Campus on November 2 and 3, 2026. The specialised programme brought together scholars representing different schools of thought from across Pakistan, providing a platform for professional development and engagement on matters related to Islamic finance and the country’s Islamic banking industry.
The initiative was organised to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of Shariah scholars and support the broader development of Islamic financial services. Shariah scholars play an important role in the Islamic banking framework, particularly in matters involving the interpretation and application of Shariah principles in financial products, services and institutional operations. As Islamic banking continues to develop in Pakistan, building professional capacity and encouraging informed engagement among scholars remain important elements of the industry’s governance structure.
The programme also brought together representatives of the IFDD-SBP and recognised Shariah scholars from different schools of thought. This participation created an opportunity for stakeholders to engage across institutional and scholarly backgrounds. Such interaction can contribute to a stronger understanding of the issues facing Islamic financial institutions and help encourage cooperation on matters relevant to Shariah governance.
Mufti Syed Zahid Siraj and Mufti Usama Ehsan served as facilitators for the programme. Their involvement provided specialist guidance during the two-day sessions, while the participation of scholars from different parts of the country supported the programme’s wider objective of capacity development. NIBAF Pakistan described the gathering as a specialised initiative focused on strengthening the role of Shariah scholars in the Islamic banking ecosystem.
The programme concluded with a closing and certification ceremony on November 3. Mr. Shahid Abbas, Senior Joint Director (SJD), represented the IFDD of the State Bank of Pakistan at the event and distributed certificates of participation to the attending scholars. During the ceremony, he appreciated their active engagement and contributions throughout the programme, recognising the importance of continued professional development in advancing the Islamic banking industry.
The collaboration between NIBAF Pakistan and the State Bank’s IFDD reflects the role of institutional training in supporting the development of Islamic finance. Capacity building initiatives can help strengthen the understanding of Shariah-related financial matters among relevant stakeholders while providing opportunities for discussion and exchange of perspectives. Bringing together scholars from different schools of thought also supports dialogue on issues that affect the wider Islamic financial services sector.
Pakistan’s Islamic banking industry requires coordination among financial institutions, regulators, Shariah scholars and other stakeholders. As banks expand Islamic banking products and services, the importance of effective Shariah governance and informed oversight also grows. Training programmes for scholars form part of the broader effort to develop the expertise needed to support this expanding sector.
NIBAF Pakistan said it remains committed to promoting Islamic financial literacy, encouraging collaboration among scholars representing different schools of thought and strengthening the country’s Shariah governance ecosystem. Through its collaboration with the IFDD-SBP, the institute aims to support professional development and contribute to the continued growth of Islamic banking in Pakistan.
The two-day programme in Islamabad represents another capacity development activity focused on the people and institutions involved in Islamic finance. Its emphasis on scholarly engagement and institutional collaboration highlights the importance of maintaining a strong knowledge base as Pakistan’s Islamic banking sector continues to evolve.
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