The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has officially commenced the first day of its “Islamic Banking Program for RMTs and GMs (IFPOP-1),” a dedicated training series designed to deepen the understanding of Islamic banking among senior banking professionals. Held from July 9 to 11, 2025, at the NBP Staff College located in the FTC Building, Karachi, the program brings together officers from the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) who are poised to play key roles in steering the future of Shariah-compliant banking services across the country.
This targeted training initiative is part of NIBAF’s broader commitment to elevate technical knowledge and strategic capabilities within Pakistan’s growing Islamic finance sector. As Islamic banking continues to expand its footprint both locally and globally, programs like IFPOP-1 are becoming increasingly important to ensure that banking executives and regional management teams have a solid grasp of the principles that underpin this unique segment of the financial market.
Day one of the program featured in-depth sessions led by Mufti Dr. Awais Naeem, a respected Shariah Board Member of United Bank Limited (UBL). Recognized for his scholarly expertise and practical guidance on Islamic commercial jurisprudence, Mufti Dr. Awais provided the participants with a comprehensive exploration of foundational Shariah principles that govern Islamic banking operations. His discussions covered critical concepts such as the prohibition of Riba (interest), the importance of risk-sharing contracts, and the ethical dimensions that differentiate Islamic finance from conventional banking.
For the officers of NBP attending this course, the sessions offered a rare opportunity to engage directly with a leading Shariah expert, allowing them to address specific operational questions and explore how theoretical Shariah guidelines translate into daily banking products and services. The program encouraged interactive dialogue, prompting participants to discuss real-world scenarios faced by their branches and regional teams.
Beyond technical details, Mufti Dr. Awais highlighted the broader role of Islamic banking in fostering an equitable financial ecosystem that emphasizes transparency, fairness, and the avoidance of exploitative practices. This approach aligns with the wider push in Pakistan’s financial sector to strengthen consumer trust and support sustainable economic growth through models grounded in ethical finance.
NIBAF’s Islamic banking programs have long served as a cornerstone for building sector-wide expertise, particularly among leadership tiers who influence product design, compliance frameworks, and strategic expansion plans. As more customers seek Shariah-compliant options, the banking industry’s ability to maintain rigorous Shariah standards while innovating new products becomes crucial.
Industry observers note that such capacity-building efforts will be vital as Pakistan continues to solidify its position as one of the region’s leading markets for Islamic finance. By equipping NBP’s regional management teams and general managers with specialized knowledge through initiatives like IFPOP-1, NIBAF is helping to ensure that the next wave of banking leaders is fully prepared to navigate both the opportunities and regulatory complexities inherent in Islamic banking.
As the three-day program progresses in Karachi, it is expected to set a strong foundation for further collaborations and leadership dialogues focused on driving excellence and resilience within Pakistan’s Islamic banking landscape.