Muhammad Atif Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited, delivered the keynote address at the Halal Fashion Conference 2025, where industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals gathered to discuss the growing halal lifestyle economy. His remarks highlighted the evolving role of Islamic finance in supporting halal industries and emphasized the importance of sustainable and Shariah-compliant growth across multiple sectors.
The Halal Fashion Conference 2025 brought together participants from around the globe, reflecting the increasing recognition of halal fashion as part of a broader movement that merges cultural identity with modern consumer trends. As part of his keynote, Atif Hanif underscored the linkages between finance and lifestyle, particularly how Islamic banking institutions can enable halal industries through tailored financial solutions and strategic partnerships.
He noted that the halal economy, which spans food, fashion, cosmetics, and other consumer goods, is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Within this ecosystem, halal fashion is carving out a significant niche by meeting the demand for modest, culturally sensitive, and ethically produced clothing. Hanif emphasized that the role of financial institutions such as Al Baraka Bank is critical in ensuring that entrepreneurs, designers, and manufacturers have access to the right financial tools to scale their businesses.
According to Hanif, Islamic finance is uniquely positioned to support this sector due to its inherent focus on ethical and Shariah-compliant principles. He pointed out that Al Baraka Bank has been working on innovative financial products that cater to both small businesses and larger enterprises operating within the halal economy. These products not only provide capital but also ensure that the financing remains aligned with the values and compliance needs of halal industries.
The keynote also touched upon the broader potential of the halal lifestyle market in driving economic growth in Pakistan and beyond. Hanif explained that by empowering halal fashion and other related industries, countries like Pakistan can strengthen exports, create jobs, and position themselves as leaders in a sector that is becoming increasingly influential across international markets.
Industry participants at the conference praised the insights shared by Hanif, particularly his call for stronger collaborations between banks, policymakers, and industry players. Many agreed that without accessible and value-driven financial services, the halal economy may not achieve its full potential. His address served as a reminder that financial institutions are not just enablers of capital but also key partners in driving innovation and long-term sustainability.
The event concluded with a consensus among participants that halal fashion and other lifestyle sectors must be supported with greater visibility, investment, and integration with financial ecosystems. Al Baraka Bank’s representation at the conference reinforced the growing recognition of Islamic banks as important stakeholders in this evolving space.
By linking finance with cultural and ethical consumerism, Hanif’s keynote highlighted how the halal economy is not just about consumption but about creating value systems that resonate with communities globally. His message resonated with both local and international attendees, positioning Al Baraka Bank as a forward-looking player in advancing the halal lifestyle movement.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.