NIBAF Pakistan Launches Journal Highlighting Islamic Banking, Data Governance and Modern Finance

The National Institute of Banking and Finance Pakistan has announced the launch of the latest edition of its Journal, providing research and industry perspectives on developments shaping Pakistan’s banking and financial sector. The newly released publication is Volume 93, Issue No. 01, covering the January to March 2026 period, and is now available through the institute’s official website. The issue brings together analytical research, industry developments and expert perspectives covering Islamic banking, Shariah governance, modern banking systems and data management.

A key feature of the latest edition is the cover story titled “Evolution of Shariah Governance Framework in Pakistan: From Foundational Vision to a Digitally Aligned and Inclusive Future,” authored by Molana Syed Mazhar Abbas Zaidi. The article examines the development of Shariah governance in Pakistan and its changing relevance within a financial sector that is increasingly influenced by digital technologies. The focus on a digitally aligned and inclusive future places the evolution of Islamic banking governance within the broader changes taking place across Pakistan’s financial system.

The journal also features an exclusive interview with Irfan Siddiqui, former President and Founder of Meezan Bank Ltd., focusing on his professional journey and his role in the development of Islamic banking in Pakistan. The interview provides an opportunity to explore the experiences of one of the figures associated with the establishment and growth of Islamic banking in the country. Siddiqui’s career and contribution to Meezan Bank offer an industry perspective on the development of Shariah compliant banking and its position within Pakistan’s financial sector.

Another highlighted contribution in the issue focuses on the changing role of data within modern banking. The article, titled “From Static MIS to Real-Time Risk Dashboards: Data Architecture and Governance in Modern Banking,” has been authored by Rahim Zulfiqar Ali. It examines the movement from traditional static management information systems towards real time risk dashboards, placing data architecture and governance at the centre of modern banking operations.

The inclusion of data architecture and governance in the journal reflects the increasing importance of reliable financial data for banking institutions. Modern banks rely on data across areas such as risk management, reporting and decision making, making the structure and governance of information an important part of financial sector operations. The focus on real time risk dashboards also highlights the shift towards more responsive systems capable of supporting banking institutions as they manage changing operational and financial requirements.

The latest journal issue brings together these subjects at a time when Pakistan’s financial sector is experiencing changes in both traditional banking and technology enabled financial services. Islamic banking continues to develop alongside broader efforts to strengthen financial inclusion, while digital systems and data driven processes are becoming increasingly relevant to the way banks manage operations and risks. The combination of these themes gives the publication a broad perspective on developments affecting banking and finance professionals.

NIBAF Pakistan has positioned the journal as a source of analytical insights and expert perspectives for professionals and stakeholders within the financial sector. The latest issue covers subjects ranging from Shariah governance and Islamic banking to data architecture, risk management and modern banking practices. These areas are closely connected to the changing requirements of financial institutions as they respond to regulatory developments, technological changes and evolving customer expectations.

The publication also contributes to the wider research and knowledge ecosystem surrounding Pakistan’s banking industry. By bringing together academic analysis, professional experience and industry focused discussions, the journal provides readers with perspectives on both established banking practices and emerging developments. Its coverage of Islamic finance alongside data governance reflects the range of issues currently relevant to financial institutions and banking professionals.

The January to March 2026 edition, Volume 93, Issue No. 01, is now accessible online through the National Institute of Banking and Finance Pakistan website. Readers can access the full journal to explore the featured cover story, exclusive interview and modern banking research, along with the other analytical content included in the latest issue. The publication provides banking and finance professionals with a consolidated source of perspectives on developments shaping Pakistan’s financial landscape.

Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.