NIBAF Pakistan has successfully concluded a two-day Capacity Building Programme for Shariah Scholars, organised in collaboration with the Islamic Finance Development Department (IFDD) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The programme concluded with a formal certificate distribution ceremony held at NIBAF Pakistan’s Islamabad Campus, marking the completion of a training initiative focused on strengthening knowledge and professional capabilities in Islamic finance. Conducted on November 2 and 3, 2026, the programme brought together Shariah scholars for a dedicated learning opportunity aimed at supporting the development of Islamic financial practices and improving understanding of the principles governing Shariah-compliant banking and financial services.
The initiative reflects continued cooperation between NIBAF Pakistan and the SBP’s Islamic Finance Development Department to support capacity building within Pakistan’s Islamic finance sector. Shariah scholars play an important role in ensuring that Islamic financial products, banking operations and institutional practices remain aligned with applicable Shariah principles. As Islamic banking continues to develop in Pakistan, the availability of professionals with relevant knowledge and an understanding of financial sector requirements remains important for strengthening Shariah governance. Through specialised training programmes, institutions can provide scholars with opportunities to enhance their understanding of the financial system and contribute more effectively to the development of Islamic banking practices.
The two-day programme was designed as a capacity-building initiative for participating scholars, bringing together institutional representatives, trainers and attendees at the Islamabad Campus. Its completion was marked by a formal ceremony during which participation certificates were distributed to the attending scholars. Mr. Shahid Abbas, representing the Islamic Finance Development Department of the State Bank of Pakistan, joined programme trainer Mufti Usama Ehsan in presenting the certificates. Their participation highlighted the collaboration between NIBAF Pakistan and IFDD-SBP in supporting professional development and knowledge-sharing initiatives related to Islamic finance.
During the closing ceremony, the representatives appreciated the contributions of the participating scholars and acknowledged their involvement in the programme. The certificate distribution marked the formal conclusion of the training sessions and recognised the scholars who attended the two-day initiative. The programme also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the role of trainers and institutional partners in delivering specialised learning activities for professionals associated with Islamic finance. NIBAF Pakistan expressed its gratitude to IFDD-SBP, the trainers and all participating scholars for their cooperation and contribution towards the successful completion of the initiative.
The programme comes at a time when Islamic finance remains an important area of development within Pakistan’s banking and financial services industry. Strengthening Shariah governance requires continuous professional development, coordination between financial institutions and qualified scholars, and a deeper understanding of the operational requirements of Islamic banking. Shariah scholars contribute to the oversight and assessment of financial products and services, helping ensure that institutional activities follow relevant Islamic principles. Capacity-building opportunities can therefore support the development of stronger professional knowledge and encourage closer engagement between scholars and the financial sector.
NIBAF Pakistan’s collaboration with IFDD-SBP also demonstrates the importance of institutional partnerships in supporting the growth of specialised financial knowledge. By organising programmes focused on Shariah scholars, the institutions are contributing to the development of expertise required by Pakistan’s Islamic banking industry. Such initiatives can help strengthen the relationship between academic and religious knowledge and the practical requirements of financial institutions, particularly as banks continue to expand their Islamic banking operations and services.
With the successful conclusion of the November 2-3 programme, NIBAF Pakistan has completed another capacity-building initiative aimed at supporting professionals associated with Islamic finance. The certificate distribution ceremony at its Islamabad Campus formally recognised the participation of scholars and the contributions of the institutions and trainers involved. Continued efforts in professional training, knowledge development and Shariah governance will remain important for supporting the growth and institutional development of Pakistan’s Islamic finance sector.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.