The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) continues to strengthen professional capacity within Pakistan’s financial sector by offering specialized training in Shariah-compliant finance. On September 12, 2025, NIBAF successfully conducted the Islamic Banking Certification Program (IBCC – 74) for officers of Bank Alfalah at the Bank Alfalah Learning Center in Karachi. The training was aimed at deepening the understanding of Islamic banking principles among participants, enabling them to effectively contribute to the growth of Shariah-compliant financial services in the country.
The program was led by experienced trainers Mr. Kamran Aziz and Mr. Ali Ahsan, both recognized for their expertise in Islamic finance. Their sessions provided participants with an in-depth exploration of Shariah-compliant structures, operational practices, and compliance requirements. The training also emphasized the distinctions between conventional banking and Islamic banking, particularly in the areas of financing modes, risk-sharing arrangements, and the prohibition of Riba (interest).
A core focus of the certification program was on enhancing participants’ ability to apply Shariah principles in real-world banking scenarios. Through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and group exercises, officers were exposed to practical challenges faced in the Islamic finance sector and guided on how to address them while adhering to Shariah guidelines. The trainers also stressed the importance of transparency, ethical practices, and customer-centric innovation in Islamic banking operations.
The program’s design reflected the increasing demand for skilled professionals in Islamic banking. With a growing share of Pakistan’s banking sector transitioning towards Shariah-compliant products, institutions such as Bank Alfalah are investing in human capital development to ensure they meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. By engaging its officers in the IBCC, Bank Alfalah has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening expertise within its workforce and contributing to the country’s Islamic finance ecosystem.
NIBAF’s Islamic Banking Certification Programs are recognized as a benchmark for quality training in the field. Each program is tailored to provide participants not only with technical knowledge but also with the ability to align their decision-making with Shariah principles. By partnering with banks like Bank Alfalah, NIBAF is ensuring that the financial industry has access to a pool of professionals who are well-prepared to handle the complexities of Islamic banking.
The training at the Bank Alfalah Learning Center also fostered collaboration and dialogue among participants, encouraging them to share insights and perspectives from their professional experiences. This interactive approach enriched the learning environment and helped participants relate course content to their daily responsibilities.
The successful completion of IBCC – 74 marks another step in NIBAF’s mission to enhance capacity building in Pakistan’s financial sector. The institute remains dedicated to supporting the State Bank of Pakistan’s vision of expanding Islamic banking’s footprint nationwide. With consistent training initiatives, NIBAF is not only strengthening technical expertise but also promoting ethical and sustainable practices in the country’s banking system.
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