Meezan Bank and IBA-CEIF Nurture Next Generation of Islamic Finance Professionals with Second Cohort of Meezan Justuju

Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s largest and premier Islamic bank, has successfully completed the second round of its flagship educational program ‘Meezan Justuju – A Quest for Islamic Finance Leaders!’. Conducted in partnership with the IBA Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance (CEIF), this initiative underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening the future of Islamic finance in the country.

Designed as a dedicated platform for young graduates, Meezan Justuju blends rigorous academic learning with practical industry exposure, preparing participants to embark on meaningful careers in Pakistan’s robust Islamic banking sector. As part of Meezan Bank’s broader corporate social responsibility agenda, this program targets the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation and uphold ethical banking standards aligned with Shariah principles.

This year’s program was notably expanded beyond Karachi to also include Lahore and Islamabad, reflecting the growing interest in Islamic finance education across Pakistan. The second cohort involved a comprehensive 42-hour training schedule that combined foundational Islamic finance concepts with core banking knowledge, equipping participants with both the values and technical expertise required to excel in this field.

Graduation ceremonies were organized across all three cities to honor the achievements of participants. The Karachi event brought together senior leaders from Meezan Bank, including Shayan Baig, Deputy Head of Shariah Compliance, and Arsalan Ahmed Khan, Head of Talent Acquisition and Digital HR Solutions. Earlier, participants in Lahore and Islamabad were also recognized through certificate distribution ceremonies, celebrating their dedication and progress.

Speaking about the initiative, representatives from Meezan Bank highlighted how programs like Meezan Justuju play a critical role in building a talent pipeline that is not only professionally competent but also deeply rooted in the ethical framework of Islamic finance. By fostering a pool of motivated young professionals, the bank aims to secure the long-term sustainability and growth of the sector.

The timing of such an initiative aligns well with the remarkable growth trajectory of Islamic banking in Pakistan. The industry now boasts a network of 6,093 branches nationwide, supported by assets surpassing PKR 11.5 trillion and deposits totaling PKR 8.4 trillion. This sustained expansion is driven by strong local demand as well as increasing international attention, thanks to the sector’s emphasis on responsible investment and its resonance with value-conscious markets worldwide.

Meezan Justuju stands out as a timely strategic effort, creating structured pathways for aspiring Islamic bankers to join and contribute to a sector that continues to gain momentum both at home and abroad. By combining high-quality learning modules with targeted mentorship, the program positions participants to take on future leadership roles in an industry that blends financial growth with ethical stewardship.

As Pakistan’s Islamic finance ecosystem evolves, initiatives like Meezan Justuju not only reinforce the talent pool but also help anchor the sector’s reputation as a forward-looking, values-driven segment of the economy. Meezan Bank’s continued focus on human capital development through such collaborations is setting a strong example for how financial institutions can actively shape the future of banking in Pakistan.