A grand launch ceremony for the book “Unconventional – The Bank No One Saw Coming” was held in Lahore, celebrating the inspiring journey of Meezan Bank — Pakistan’s first and largest Islamic bank. The event, hosted at a local hotel, brought together notable figures from the banking and corporate sectors who gathered to honor the legacy of Irfan Siddiqui, the Founder, CEO, and President of Meezan Bank. The book, authored by Sibtain Naqvi, serves as a comprehensive account of how Siddiqui transformed his vision of an Islamic banking institution into a thriving reality that reshaped Pakistan’s financial landscape.
The evening highlighted the bank’s extraordinary rise from a modest Modaraba company to a leading financial institution that now stands as a symbol of integrity, innovation, and purpose. Keynote speakers paid tribute to Irfan Siddiqui’s unwavering commitment and leadership, recognizing the profound influence he has had on both Meezan Bank and the broader Islamic finance industry.
Former Federal Commerce Minister Razzaq Dawood delivered an insightful keynote address, commending the book for capturing the true essence of Meezan Bank’s evolution. He remarked that the story of Meezan Bank demonstrates how a visionary leader with steadfast principles can build an organization that combines profitability with purpose. “It was established by an ordinary man with an extraordinary vision — a model of good corporate citizenship,” Dawood said. He emphasized that the book reflects how discipline, ethics, and long-term strategy can lead to sustainable success in a sector often driven by short-term gains.
Dawood also highlighted that Meezan Bank’s transformation from a single office in Karachi to becoming Pakistan’s largest Islamic bank is a story of faith, perseverance, and principled leadership. He praised Siddiqui and his team for proving that ethical banking and long-term thinking can flourish even in challenging environments. “Meezan Bank stands as proof that Pakistan does not lack talent, only direction. When leadership is rooted in purpose and guided by integrity, institutions thrive,” he stated.
In a video message, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Saleem Ullah lauded Meezan Bank as “a great example of how to build a reputable institution.” He described Irfan Siddiqui as “an institution in himself,” noting that his leadership laid the foundation for Islamic banking in Pakistan. Chairman Meezan Bank, Riyadh S.A.A. Edrees, also paid tribute to Siddiqui, recalling how he invested the proceeds from Kuwait Finance House into Meezan Bank, a move that reflected his absolute confidence in Siddiqui’s leadership and vision.
Addressing the audience, Irfan Siddiqui shared his reflections on the institution’s humble beginnings and steady ascent. “If there is a purpose behind what you do, Allah definitely blesses you with His help,” he said. He recounted how Meezan Bank evolved from a Rs 50 million Modaraba company to a multi-billion-rupee Islamic financial powerhouse. Siddiqui attributed this growth to a combination of faith, discipline, ethics, ownership, cost efficiency, and divine blessings. “For the last three years, we have been the most profitable bank in Pakistan,” he proudly noted, reinforcing Meezan Bank’s strong performance in both financial and moral terms.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Pakistan Banks’ Association Chairman, Zafar Masud, who referred to the book as “a bible of good governance and Islamic banking.” He emphasized that Meezan Bank’s story is not just about corporate success but about shaping an industry. “The concept of Islamic banking in Pakistan cannot be separated from Meezan Bank,” he observed.
“Unconventional – The Bank No One Saw Coming” stands as a testament to how vision, faith, and ethical leadership can transform not only an organization but an entire sector. The launch event celebrated not just a book, but a legacy of purpose-driven banking that continues to influence Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.