The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), a key training institution under the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), successfully conducted the 15th iteration of its Islamic Banking Professional Development Program (IBPD – 15) from May 26 to 30, 2025, at its Karachi Campus. This intensive five-day training session was designed to deepen the understanding and practical expertise of officers from commercial banks as well as the State Bank of Pakistan in the rapidly evolving field of Islamic banking and finance.
Islamic banking has seen significant growth in Pakistan’s financial sector, fueled by increasing customer demand for Shariah-compliant financial products and services. Recognizing the strategic importance of this sector, NIBAF has continually emphasized capacity building in Islamic finance as part of its broader mandate to develop human capital within Pakistan’s banking industry. The IBPD program is an essential part of this initiative, offering participants a thorough grounding in both theoretical concepts and practical applications of Islamic banking principles.
The program was delivered by a distinguished panel of trainers, each bringing specialized expertise in various aspects of Islamic finance, including Shariah law, Islamic financial instruments, risk management, and regulatory compliance. The trainers combined academic knowledge with real-world experience to ensure that participants could connect classroom learning with industry realities. This approach enabled officers to better appreciate how Islamic banking fits within the broader financial ecosystem while addressing the unique challenges faced by Islamic financial institutions.
Throughout the week-long session, participants engaged in detailed discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises covering topics such as Murabaha, Ijara, Musharaka, and Takaful, among others. The training also addressed contemporary issues, such as digital innovation in Islamic finance and the evolving regulatory landscape in Pakistan and globally. This comprehensive curriculum ensured that attendees gained a robust understanding of both conventional and emerging trends in Islamic banking.
Officers from a diverse array of commercial banks attended alongside SBP officials, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged knowledge sharing and networking across institutions. This inter-institutional engagement is vital for harmonizing practices and promoting a unified approach to Islamic banking development in Pakistan.
The success of the IBPD – 15 program underscores NIBAF’s ongoing commitment to enhancing professional competencies in the banking sector. By equipping officers with up-to-date knowledge and skills, NIBAF contributes to the State Bank of Pakistan’s vision of a resilient, inclusive, and innovative financial system.
As Islamic banking continues to expand its footprint in Pakistan, training programs like IBPD are crucial for ensuring that banking professionals are well-prepared to meet the sector’s demands. NIBAF’s efforts in this area help position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global Islamic finance industry, while simultaneously catering to the growing domestic market for Shariah-compliant financial solutions.
Through initiatives like the IBPD, NIBAF and SBP are laying the foundation for a stronger, more knowledgeable banking workforce that can drive innovation, compliance, and customer trust in Islamic banking across the country.