The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan has commenced its Islamic Banking Professional Development Program (IBPD – 24), a focused five-day training initiative aimed at deepening the expertise of banking professionals in Islamic finance and Shariah-compliant practices. The program, running from September 1 to 5, 2025, is being held at NIBAF’s Karachi campus and is bringing together officers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as well as various commercial banks across the country.
Islamic finance has been gaining momentum globally as more financial institutions and economies recognize the importance of Shariah-compliant solutions in providing inclusive and ethical alternatives to conventional banking. In Pakistan, where Islamic banking already accounts for a significant share of the financial sector, professional training and capacity-building remain central to sustaining growth and ensuring compliance. The IBPD program has been designed to meet these needs by equipping participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills.
A panel of expert trainers, comprising seasoned professionals and scholars in Islamic finance, is delivering the sessions. The training covers a range of key areas including Shariah principles in banking, Islamic modes of financing, risk management within Islamic financial institutions, and regulatory frameworks that govern the sector in Pakistan. By combining academic insights with real-world applications, the program ensures that participants are able to align their institutional practices with Shariah requirements while also meeting the demands of a competitive banking landscape.
Participants in the program include officers from both the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks, reflecting a collaborative approach to professional development. For SBP, this initiative supports its broader mandate of strengthening governance and oversight in Islamic banking. For commercial banks, it provides an opportunity to upskill their teams, ensuring they can deliver innovative Shariah-compliant products while maintaining strong operational compliance.
Programs like IBPD are critical at a time when Islamic banking is expected to expand further in Pakistan’s financial system. The government and SBP have set ambitious targets for the sector, with the aim of achieving a much larger share of Islamic banking in total assets and deposits in the coming years. To achieve these goals, institutions require not only regulatory support but also skilled professionals who can translate Shariah principles into effective banking solutions.
NIBAF’s role as a premier training institute for banking and finance in Pakistan is highlighted by such initiatives. By continuously hosting specialized programs, it contributes to developing human capital that can sustain the growth of both conventional and Islamic banking. The IBPD program, in particular, strengthens the foundations of Shariah governance, enhances the professional capabilities of bankers, and supports the national agenda of expanding ethical finance practices.
As the program progresses, participants are expected to gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools to address the evolving challenges in Islamic finance. This ensures that graduates of IBPD will return to their institutions better prepared to contribute to innovation, compliance, and the expansion of Shariah-compliant financial services across Pakistan.
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