The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully concluded a three-day certification program on “Islamic Trade Professionals,” designed to enhance the understanding of Islamic trade principles, compliance frameworks, and Shariah-aligned operations within Pakistan’s banking industry. The program took place from October 27–29, 2025, at NIBAF’s Lahore Campus, attracting 15 banking professionals from various institutions across the country.
Led by seasoned trainer and Islamic finance expert Mr. Iqbal Ibrahim Karamally, the certification program provided participants with both theoretical foundations and practical insights into the evolving landscape of Islamic trade finance. The sessions were structured to address the increasing demand for Shariah-compliant trade solutions in Pakistan’s growing Islamic banking sector, helping professionals strengthen their operational knowledge in line with international best practices.
The program covered a range of key areas including Islamic trade instruments, compliance requirements, documentation standards, Shariah governance, and global regulatory frameworks. Participants also explored the distinctions between conventional and Islamic trade finance mechanisms, focusing on how ethical, asset-based transactions are structured under Islamic law to ensure transparency, risk sharing, and fairness.
Mr. Karamally emphasized the critical role of Islamic trade professionals in bridging the gap between faith-based financial principles and modern banking operations. He highlighted how Islamic finance, particularly in trade, continues to gain momentum globally, driven by growing investor confidence and the demand for ethical banking alternatives. Participants were encouraged to adopt innovative approaches while maintaining adherence to Shariah standards, ensuring sustainable and inclusive financial growth.
The certification also provided a platform for participants to engage in practical exercises and case studies, enabling them to analyze real-world trade scenarios through the lens of Islamic finance. Through these interactive sessions, the attendees gained clarity on applying Islamic contracts such as Murabaha, Musharakah, and Wakalah in trade transactions, and understanding their compliance implications in domestic and international trade contexts.
NIBAF’s initiative aligns with the State Bank of Pakistan’s broader strategy to promote Islamic finance across the country’s financial ecosystem. With Islamic banking assets now contributing a growing share of Pakistan’s overall financial sector, the need for well-trained professionals who can implement Shariah-compliant trade practices has become more critical than ever.
The three-day program also focused on equipping bankers with the skills to ensure operational integrity in Shariah-aligned trade products while managing risk effectively. Participants expressed appreciation for the comprehensive content and practical relevance of the sessions, noting that the certification would enhance their ability to support their institutions’ Islamic banking portfolios.
Through programs like this, NIBAF continues to position itself as a leading center for professional development in the banking and finance sector. Its specialized certifications in Islamic finance, digital banking, and compliance are helping bridge skill gaps and prepare professionals for the evolving demands of Pakistan’s modern financial ecosystem.
The “Islamic Trade Professionals” certification underscores NIBAF’s ongoing commitment to advancing Shariah-based financial knowledge, fostering innovation in Islamic finance, and contributing to the development of a more inclusive and ethical banking system in Pakistan.
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