The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has successfully conducted a five-day training program dedicated to advanced Islamic banking practices. Titled the Islamic Banking Professional Development Program (IBPD-23), the session took place at NIBAF’s Lahore Campus from August 25 to 29, 2025, and brought together around 28 officers representing different financial institutions across the country.
The program was designed to strengthen expertise in Shariah-compliant banking, an area of increasing importance as Pakistan’s financial sector continues to expand its Islamic banking footprint. Over the course of five days, participants engaged in comprehensive sessions covering both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of Islamic finance, guided by leading experts in the field.
The training featured an impressive lineup of trainers, each specializing in different dimensions of Shariah-based finance. The opening two days were led by Mufti Najeeb Ahmed Khan, who focused on the foundational principles of Islamic finance and their application in modern banking environments. His sessions emphasized how Shariah compliance underpins product innovation, risk management, and ethical financial practices.
On the third day, participants benefited from insights shared by Mr. Imran Yousuf Sheikh, Head of Business Transformation at Faysal Bank Limited. His discussion revolved around the operational and technological transformation of Islamic banking services, offering participants a practical view of how institutions can integrate digital strategies while maintaining Shariah alignment.
Day four was dedicated to advanced Shariah governance frameworks, delivered by Mufti Tayyab Amin, Chairman of the Shariah Board at Allied Bank Limited. His session highlighted the regulatory, supervisory, and compliance responsibilities of Shariah boards, underscoring their role in ensuring credibility and trust within the Islamic banking system.
The final day concluded with a session by Mufti Awais Masood, Resident Member of the Shariah Board at Allied Bank Limited. He addressed contemporary challenges facing the Islamic banking industry, including product diversification, customer awareness, and balancing innovation with compliance. His interactive approach encouraged participants to critically examine evolving market needs and align them with Shariah principles.
The five-day training provided participants with more than just technical knowledge; it fostered dialogue on how to build stronger, more resilient Shariah-compliant institutions. Officers were encouraged to apply these insights in their respective organizations, creating value for customers and strengthening the Islamic banking ecosystem in Pakistan.
With Islamic banking accounting for an increasing share of the country’s financial assets, initiatives like IBPD-23 are critical in preparing professionals to navigate both local and global trends in Shariah-compliant finance. NIBAF’s role as a premier training body ensures that officers remain up-to-date with the latest practices, equipping them to contribute effectively to an industry that is growing in complexity and scale.
By bridging theoretical learning with practical perspectives, the program demonstrated how continuous professional development is essential in keeping Islamic banking relevant, competitive, and compliant. The initiative also reflects Pakistan’s commitment to aligning with international best practices in Islamic finance while addressing the unique needs of its economy and consumers.
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