The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully organized a five-day training program titled “Islamic Banking Professional Development Program (IBPD – 37)” from January 19 to 23, 2026, at its Lahore campus. The program was designed to enhance the professional knowledge and practical skills of participants in Shariah-compliant banking products, operations, and governance frameworks.
Around 28 participants from various commercial banks across Pakistan attended the program, representing a diverse cross-section of the country’s banking industry. The initiative focused on equipping banking professionals with a deeper understanding of Shariah principles and their application in modern banking, addressing both theoretical foundations and practical operational challenges in Islamic finance.
The training featured distinguished industry experts and Shariah scholars as trainers. The first two days were led by Mufti Ammar Ahmed, who guided participants through core Shariah principles and the structural requirements of Islamic banking products. Days three and four were facilitated by Uzair Ashraf, a Shariah Board member at Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), who provided in-depth insights into Shariah-compliant banking operations, risk management practices, and governance frameworks essential for financial institutions adhering to Islamic law. The program concluded on day five with Mufti Sabir Hussain, a Shariah Board member of Meezan Islamic Bank (MIB), who emphasized regulatory compliance, operational best practices, and the evolving role of Shariah boards in the Pakistani banking sector.
The curriculum included comprehensive coverage of Islamic finance products such as Murabaha, Ijara, and Sukuk, alongside discussions on regulatory requirements, operational procedures, and the governance structures necessary to ensure transparency and compliance. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises designed to replicate real-world banking scenarios, ensuring that the learning outcomes were immediately applicable to their professional roles.
According to NIBAF officials, the program aimed not only to enhance technical knowledge but also to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the Islamic banking sector. With the rising prominence of Shariah-compliant finance in Pakistan, programs like IBPD-37 are critical in strengthening the expertise of banking professionals and ensuring that financial institutions maintain robust governance and operational practices.
The successful completion of IBPD-37 reflects NIBAF Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of the Islamic banking sector. By providing structured training and facilitating knowledge transfer from experienced Shariah scholars and banking experts, the institute continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Islamic finance in the country.
As the demand for Shariah-compliant banking services expands both domestically and globally, initiatives such as this program help equip professionals with the skills needed to navigate complex financial landscapes while maintaining strict adherence to Islamic principles. Participants left the program with enhanced capabilities to structure compliant products, manage operational risks, and implement effective governance practices within their respective institutions.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.