National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully conducted a two-day focused capacity building program for Shariah scholars at its Karachi campus on October 1 and 2, 2025. The program was designed to strengthen scholars’ understanding of Shariah-compliant finance and equip them with practical tools to address the rapidly evolving needs of the financial and professional landscape.
The training was led by Mufti Muhammad Najeeb Ahmed Khan, a seasoned Shariah scholar and trainer with extensive experience in Islamic banking and finance. His sessions explored both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Shariah principles in modern financial systems. Through interactive discussions, he highlighted how scholars can play a more strategic role in shaping and guiding Islamic financial institutions.
Participants, comprising scholars from various madaris, engaged actively in the face-to-face sessions, gaining a deeper perspective on the complexities of Shariah compliance in today’s digital and financial ecosystem. The initiative reflected NIBAF’s commitment to fostering a stronger connection between traditional religious scholarship and the operational realities of Islamic banking and fintech platforms.
The training covered several key areas, including Shariah governance frameworks, product structuring, operational compliance, and the emerging role of scholars in digital financial services. Special emphasis was placed on the need for Shariah experts to adapt to new technologies and regulatory requirements while ensuring adherence to Islamic principles.
A notable component of the program was its focus on enhancing practical skills rather than limiting discussions to theoretical concepts. Mufti Najeeb encouraged participants to approach financial innovation with both critical analysis and a solutions-driven mindset, enabling them to guide banks, fintechs, and regulatory bodies in ensuring transparency, trust, and compliance.
NIBAF’s capacity building initiatives are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Islamic finance ecosystem. By equipping Shariah scholars with contemporary financial knowledge, the institute aims to support the industry’s sustainable growth, improve product credibility, and foster confidence among customers and stakeholders.
The program also served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between religious scholars and financial practitioners. Participants appreciated the interactive learning model, which allowed them to exchange ideas and address real-world challenges faced by Islamic financial institutions in areas such as product development, Shariah review, and audit processes.
This training aligns with broader national efforts to enhance Shariah governance standards and expand the reach of Islamic finance in Pakistan’s banking landscape. As digital transformation accelerates across the financial sector, the involvement of well-trained Shariah scholars is seen as essential to ensuring the authenticity and credibility of new financial solutions.
The two-day capacity building program concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to supporting the growth of ethical and Shariah-compliant finance in Pakistan. The success of this initiative underscores the increasing importance of knowledge-driven capacity building in strengthening the country’s financial ecosystem.
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