To promote in-depth understanding and professional capacity in Islamic finance, the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan conducted a specialized training titled “Islamic Banking Certification Program (Exclusive for HMBL)” from May 5 to 7, 2025. The training was held at the Habib Metropolitan Learning Center in Karachi and was exclusively designed for the officers of Habib Metropolitan Bank (HMBL).
This three-day intensive training program was led by Mufti Awais Naeem, a respected Sharia Advisor at United Bank Limited (UBL), who is well-known for his deep expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and financial compliance. With Islamic banking gaining traction both globally and locally, this initiative reflects the growing demand for specialized skillsets that align financial services with Shariah principles.
The training focused on foundational and intermediate concepts of Islamic banking and finance, providing participants with a robust framework for understanding the operational, legal, and ethical dimensions of Shariah-compliant banking. Topics covered included the prohibition of Riba (interest), risk-sharing mechanisms, and detailed overviews of Islamic financial instruments such as Murabaha, Ijarah, Musharakah, and Mudarabah. In addition to the theoretical foundation, the sessions emphasized practical applications within Pakistan’s regulatory landscape.
Participants were exposed to real-life scenarios and case studies, allowing them to translate academic principles into actionable strategies for product development, compliance, and customer engagement in Islamic finance. This hands-on approach is a core strength of NIBAF’s training methodology, which seeks to combine scholarly knowledge with real-world banking challenges.
According to feedback gathered during the session, HMBL officers found the program particularly valuable in strengthening their understanding of the practical differences between conventional and Islamic banking, especially in the context of evolving customer preferences and regulatory expectations. Many participants highlighted the clarity provided on the role of Shariah boards, product approval processes, and how Islamic finance can be innovatively integrated with modern banking platforms.
The strategic partnership between NIBAF and Habib Metropolitan Bank underlines the banking sector’s commitment to investing in human capital and ensuring that personnel at all levels possess the expertise needed to support Pakistan’s growing Islamic finance industry. As one of Pakistan’s leading institutions for professional banking education, NIBAF continues to set the standard for skill development across both conventional and Islamic banking sectors.
Moreover, this training is part of NIBAF’s broader agenda to support the State Bank of Pakistan’s vision of expanding financial inclusion through Shariah-compliant instruments. With increasing consumer demand for Islamic banking options, there is a parallel need for trained professionals who can deliver these services with authenticity and compliance.
The Habib Metropolitan Learning Center in Karachi served as an ideal venue for this exclusive session, offering modern training infrastructure in one of Pakistan’s key financial hubs. The collaborative setting not only enhanced the learning experience but also encouraged knowledge sharing among officers from different departments of HMBL.
With the successful completion of the Islamic Banking Certification Program, NIBAF has once again reinforced its role as a pivotal player in advancing financial literacy, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance in Pakistan’s banking industry.