The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) has announced the formation of its new Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term, marking an important leadership transition for the country’s banking industry at a time of evolving regulatory, technological and economic challenges. The newly constituted committee brings together senior banking professionals from a wide range of domestic and international financial institutions, reflecting the association’s emphasis on inclusive representation, collaboration and forward-looking leadership.
Zafar Masud has been appointed as Chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association for the new term, a role that places him at the forefront of industry engagement with regulators, policymakers and key stakeholders. Widely regarded for his experience in banking leadership and sectoral reforms, Masud’s appointment signals continuity as well as a renewed focus on strengthening governance, encouraging innovation and supporting sustainable growth within the banking system.
The Executive Committee also includes Yousaf Hussain, alongside a group of seasoned executives drawn from across Pakistan’s banking landscape. Other members of the committee are Atif Bajwa, Aizid Gill, Habib Yousuf, Basir Shamsie, Natasha Ahmed, Amir Ali, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Rehmat Hasnie, Saad ur Rahman Khan, Saadya Riaz, Muhtashim Ashai, Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, Tahir Bhatti and Mir Nejib Rahman. Collectively, the members bring decades of experience spanning commercial banking, Islamic banking, digital finance, corporate governance and financial inclusion.
The new committee represents a broad cross-section of the banking industry, with participation from leading local and foreign institutions. These include The Bank of Punjab, Habib Bank Limited, Faysal Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, Citi, JS Bank, MCB Bank Limited, Meezan Bank Limited, Mobilink Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (Private) Limited, Standard Chartered, Soneri Bank Limited, United Bank Limited and Zarai Taraqiati Bank. This diverse institutional representation is expected to strengthen the association’s ability to address sector-wide issues and present unified policy positions.
According to industry observers, the formation of the new Executive Committee comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan’s banking sector. Banks are navigating a complex operating environment shaped by regulatory reforms, rapid digitisation, cybersecurity risks, changing customer expectations and increasing pressure to expand financial access. The role of PBA as a collective platform has therefore become more significant in facilitating dialogue between banks and regulators, particularly on matters related to compliance, digital transformation and risk management.
One of the key priorities for the new committee is expected to be the promotion of financial inclusion through technology-driven solutions. With digital banking, mobile wallets and branchless banking gaining traction, the association is likely to play an active role in supporting initiatives that expand access to financial services while maintaining system stability and consumer protection. Collaboration with regulators on payment systems, digital onboarding and data security is also expected to remain high on the agenda.
In addition, the Executive Committee is anticipated to focus on governance standards and capacity building within the banking sector. As banks face increased scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders, strengthening internal controls, transparency and risk culture has become a strategic necessity. Through working groups and policy engagement, PBA is expected to continue supporting best practices across the industry.
The announcement of the new Executive Committee underscores the Pakistan Banks Association’s ongoing commitment to collective leadership and coordinated action. As the banking sector continues to adapt to economic shifts and technological change, the new leadership is positioned to guide industry-wide efforts aimed at enhancing resilience, fostering innovation and supporting Pakistan’s broader economic development objectives.
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