The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) has successfully completed the Islamic Banking Certification Program (IBCC – 74) for officers of Bank Alfalah. The training, which took place on September 26, 2025, at the Bank Alfalah Learning Center in Karachi, marks another milestone in NIBAF’s mission to enhance professional expertise in Shariah-compliant financial practices across Pakistan’s banking sector.
The program was conducted in a face-to-face format, led by Dr. Irum Saba, a distinguished trainer recognized for her expertise in Islamic finance. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and practical learning designed to build capacity and reinforce the understanding of Shariah-based banking principles.
As Pakistan’s financial landscape increasingly embraces Islamic banking as a core component of its economy, initiatives like this training play a pivotal role in preparing banking professionals to respond to growing market demands. With a significant portion of the population showing preference for Shariah-compliant products, banks are under increasing pressure to ensure their staff are well-equipped to deliver products and services that align with Islamic finance standards.
NIBAF, as the training arm of the State Bank of Pakistan, continues to prioritize programs that strengthen the knowledge base of banking officers while supporting the development of a more resilient and inclusive financial system. The Islamic Banking Certification Program is one of its flagship offerings, tailored to enhance the professional skills of banking personnel and ensure compliance with global best practices in Islamic finance.
For Bank Alfalah, one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks, the certification program underscores its commitment to investing in its workforce and deepening its expertise in Islamic banking. By training officers through structured programs like IBCC, the bank aims to expand its capacity to design, manage, and deliver innovative Shariah-compliant solutions to its customers.
The training also reflects broader industry trends, where collaboration between NIBAF and commercial banks has become vital for expanding the Islamic finance ecosystem. With Islamic banking now accounting for a growing share of Pakistan’s total banking sector assets, programs such as IBCC contribute directly to sustainable growth and market confidence.
Participants in the program not only gained technical knowledge but also practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the Islamic banking sector. Sessions explored how institutions can strengthen customer trust, address regulatory requirements, and innovate responsibly while staying true to Shariah principles.
Industry observers note that such capacity-building efforts are essential for maintaining the credibility and long-term growth of Islamic banking in Pakistan. By equipping officers with specialized skills, the sector can meet rising consumer expectations, improve service delivery, and ensure robust compliance frameworks.
Through this initiative, NIBAF and Bank Alfalah reaffirm their role in advancing financial literacy and professional training within the banking industry. With continued focus on capacity building, Pakistan’s Islamic banking sector is poised to play an even greater role in supporting economic development and expanding financial inclusion nationwide.
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