NIBAF Pakistan has completed a five-day professional capacity-building programme focused on Islamic banking for commercial bank officers at its Lahore campus. The Islamic Banking Professional Development Program, identified as IBPD-61, took place from October 5 to 9, 2026, bringing together banking professionals for training on Islamic financial products, digital Islamic banking developments and regulatory compliance requirements established by the State Bank of Pakistan.
The programme was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of Islamic banking practices and the professional responsibilities associated with delivering Shariah-compliant financial services. Through sessions led by specialists from the banking industry, the training covered areas relevant to commercial banking operations as financial institutions continue to develop Islamic banking services and respond to regulatory requirements. NIBAF Pakistan described the programme as part of its wider capacity-building efforts for professionals working in the financial sector.
The first two days of the programme were facilitated by Mufti Tayyab Amin, Chairman of the Shariah Board at Allied Bank Limited (ABL). His sessions formed the opening part of the training, focusing on Islamic banking from the perspective of Shariah oversight and the application of Islamic financial principles within banking operations. Shariah governance is an important component of Islamic finance, as financial products and services must be structured and operated in accordance with the relevant principles and standards.
Days three and four were led by Imran Yousaf Sheikh, Head of Business Transformation at Faysal Bank Limited. His involvement brought a business transformation perspective to the programme, connecting professional development with the operational and organisational changes involved in providing banking services. Digital delivery models and changes in customer expectations have increased the importance of understanding how Islamic banking institutions can develop their services while maintaining compliance with applicable requirements.
The final day was facilitated by Mufti Ammar Ashraf, a Shariah Board member at Buraq Digital Bank. His participation added experience from the digital banking sector to the programme’s broader focus on Islamic finance. Digital Islamic banking involves the delivery of financial services through technology-based channels while ensuring that products, processes and operations remain aligned with Shariah requirements. The subject is increasingly relevant as financial institutions explore digital platforms to serve customers and expand access to banking services.
Across the five-day programme, participants received exposure to Islamic financial products, digital Islamic banking innovations and compliance standards mandated by the State Bank of Pakistan. These subjects are relevant to commercial bank officers involved in customer services, product development, banking operations and compliance functions. A stronger understanding of Islamic finance can help banking professionals identify the principles governing different products and recognise the regulatory responsibilities attached to their implementation.
The programme also reflects the role of professional training institutions in supporting the development of Islamic banking expertise in Pakistan. As banks offer a wider range of Shariah-compliant products and introduce technology-based services, staff knowledge remains an important part of delivering these services responsibly. Training that brings together Shariah scholars and banking practitioners can expose participants to different aspects of Islamic finance, from governance and product principles to business transformation and digital delivery.
NIBAF Pakistan said it remains committed to advancing Islamic financial literacy, supporting professional development and contributing to the expansion of Shariah-compliant banking across the country. The completion of IBPD-61 adds to its capacity-building activities for the banking sector, with the programme providing commercial bank officers an opportunity to develop their understanding of Islamic financial services and the standards that govern them.
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