The ICMA Centre of Excellence (COE) has formalized a strategic partnership with BankIslami Pakistan Limited through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony, held at the ICMA Islamabad Campus, marked an important step in building stronger bridges between academia and the financial industry, with a focus on professional development and Shariah-compliant banking practices.
The MoU was officially signed by Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Qazi, President of ICMA International, and Mufti Javed Ahmad, Resident Shariah Board Member of BankIslami. Both institutions expressed their commitment to leveraging this collaboration to create impactful opportunities for talent development in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
The signing event was attended by senior representatives from both organizations. ICMA International was represented by Mr. Zahid Farooq FCA FCMA, Mr. Muhammad Zamir FCMA FAIA, Ms. Sumreen Noman, Director of ICMA COE, and Mr. Abbas Haider, Director General, Government of Pakistan. On behalf of BankIslami, the distinguished attendees included Mr. Shahzad Ahmed Khan, Business Head North; Mufti Javed Ahmad, Resident Shariah Board Member; Mr. Muhammad Irfan Ahmed, Head of the Shariah Compliance Department; Mr. Ameer Ullah Khan, Officiating Senior Manager, Shariah Compliance Department; Ms. Rabeeya Hassan, Manager, Shariah Compliance Department; and Mr. Muhammad Umar, Manager, Shariah Compliance Department.
The agreement between ICMA Centre of Excellence and BankIslami is aimed at enhancing communication excellence, expanding outreach initiatives, and promoting structured professional development. It seeks to align the academic expertise of ICMA with the practical experience of one of Pakistan’s leading Islamic banks, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the future-ready skills required in today’s dynamic global environment.
By bringing together the strengths of academia and industry, the collaboration intends to provide a platform where knowledge-sharing and real-world financial practices converge. This approach is expected to prepare finance professionals who not only meet the requirements of the evolving job market but also contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan.
For BankIslami, the partnership is an opportunity to further its mission of advancing Shariah-compliant financial solutions and integrating them into broader professional development initiatives. For ICMA International, it represents an important step in extending its influence beyond the classroom, creating direct linkages with the financial services industry.
The partnership underscores a growing recognition that academia and financial institutions must work closely to navigate challenges posed by digital transformation, regulatory changes, and the rising demand for specialized skills. By pooling expertise, ICMA COE and BankIslami aim to build a more resilient, adaptive, and innovative workforce that is prepared to serve both the local market and global financial systems.
This MoU sets the stage for future collaboration, workshops, training sessions, and joint initiatives that will further strengthen the ecosystem of professional education and financial services in Pakistan. As global competition intensifies, partnerships of this nature will play a critical role in ensuring that professionals in the country remain relevant, competitive, and aligned with international standards.
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