The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) has successfully wrapped up a three-day specialized training program titled “Islamic Banking Program for RMTs and GMs (IFPOP-2),” held from July 9 to 11, 2025, at the NBP Staff College in Lahore. The initiative was crafted to deepen the understanding of Islamic banking principles among Regional Management Teams (RMTs) and General Managers (GMs), equipping them to better lead Shariah-compliant financial operations across Pakistan’s banking network.
The IFPOP-2 program represents part of a broader effort by NIBAF to build advanced capabilities in Islamic finance among key decision-makers within the banking sector. By focusing on senior leadership, the program seeks to reinforce the practical application of Shariah-compliant banking concepts, ensuring that Pakistan’s Islamic finance offerings remain robust, credible, and aligned with global best practices.
The training sessions were led by Mufti Ammar Ashraf, an esteemed member of the Shariah Board at KT Bank Pakistan. Known for his deep scholarship and practical insights into Islamic commercial jurisprudence, Mufti Ammar provided participants with detailed explanations of core principles underpinning Islamic banking. From the prohibition of Riba (interest) to the contractual intricacies of Murabaha, Ijarah, and Musharakah, the program covered a wide array of topics critical to the effective governance of Islamic banking portfolios.
Participants also had the opportunity to discuss the operational challenges that come with implementing Shariah standards in a fast-evolving financial ecosystem. Mufti Ammar highlighted common compliance gaps and offered guidance on structuring banking products that fulfill both commercial objectives and religious mandates. His sessions emphasized not only technical compliance but also the broader ethical underpinnings of Islamic finance, which stress fairness, transparency, and risk-sharing.
The program encouraged active dialogue, allowing RMTs and GMs to raise practical case studies from their own branches and regions. These discussions underscored the importance of strong Shariah governance frameworks to protect both customer trust and institutional reputation. With Pakistan’s Islamic banking industry continuing to grow at a steady pace, such targeted capacity-building efforts are becoming increasingly vital.
According to sector analysts, initiatives like IFPOP-2 help ensure that as demand for Islamic banking products rises, institutions are adequately prepared at the leadership level to guide strategy, address compliance complexities, and foster innovation within Shariah parameters. For many participants, the program also served as a platform to network with peers facing similar operational realities, building a shared understanding of how to navigate the competitive landscape of Pakistan’s dual banking system.
With NIBAF playing a central role in the professional development of Pakistan’s banking workforce, its programs are expected to contribute significantly to the resilience and credibility of the Islamic finance ecosystem. As financial markets become more sophisticated and customer expectations evolve, such sustained efforts in leadership training will be key to maintaining Pakistan’s standing as one of the leading markets for Islamic banking in the region.