Pakistan’s financial sector is preparing for a significant transformation as the country moves closer to adopting a fully Islamic, interest-free financial system by 2028. The upcoming IFN Pakistan Forum 2025, set to take place on October 30 at the JS Auditorium of IBA Karachi, has been positioned as a central platform to guide the nation’s financial ecosystem through this transition. The event is being held in partnership with the State Bank of Pakistan and supported by other key regulators, underscoring its importance in shaping policy and practice in the coming years.
The forum comes at a critical time when Islamic finance is expanding its footprint in Pakistan. The sector has witnessed regulatory reforms, the development of new Shariah-compliant standards, and the growing introduction of innovative products such as Sukuk and Shariah-based investment vehicles. With the government’s target date for full Islamic finance adoption fast approaching, the discussions at this year’s forum are expected to provide clarity on both regulatory direction and technological enablers that can accelerate this shift.
For over a decade, the IFN Forum has been recognized for bringing together financial leaders, investors, and regulators under one roof to address pressing challenges and opportunities in Islamic finance. This year’s gathering will continue that tradition, offering a platform for meaningful debate, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. With all sessions recorded and later made available online, the reach of the forum extends beyond the venue, giving professionals across Pakistan and abroad access to its insights.
Senior figures from across the financial spectrum, including banks, investment firms, Takaful providers, Shariah advisory experts, venture capital representatives, regulators, and fintech innovators, are expected to participate. Their presence reflects the cross-sectoral importance of Islamic finance in Pakistan’s economic development. The agenda is designed to explore both the practical aspects of conversion and the long-term opportunities in areas such as Islamic capital markets, digital banking, and sustainable finance.
Key discussions will highlight the role of technology in facilitating the transition to interest-free banking, with an emphasis on fintech solutions that can expand access and improve efficiency. The conversion journey of Faysal Bank into a fully Islamic bank is expected to serve as a case study, offering lessons for other financial institutions undergoing or considering similar transformations. Another significant area of focus will be the capital markets, with conversations around strengthening Sukuk issuance and positioning Pakistan competitively within regional Islamic finance hubs.
The event will also shine a spotlight on investment products designed to meet growing demand among both institutional and retail investors. Shariah-compliant mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and real estate investment trusts are increasingly being explored as viable options for diversifying portfolios while maintaining adherence to Islamic principles. Regulators and fund managers will provide insights into how these products can be structured and scaled.
A special keynote will be delivered by Zeeshan Rehman Khattak, Commissioner for the Specialized Companies Division at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. With his international experience and leadership background in IT exports and capital market development, he is expected to outline how digital tools and regulatory innovation can underpin a sustainable and globally competitive Islamic finance ecosystem in Pakistan.
Beyond formal discussions, the forum will feature the IFN Awards and a Majlis hosted by Standard Chartered Saadiq, providing opportunities for industry professionals to engage in networking and informal dialogue. These interactions are expected to foster partnerships and encourage collaborative approaches to challenges facing the sector.
The IFN Pakistan Forum 2025 is therefore more than a conference. It represents a milestone in the country’s financial reform journey and a collective effort to harmonize regulatory, technological, and market-driven initiatives. As Pakistan advances toward its 2028 target, the insights and commitments emerging from this platform are likely to play a decisive role in defining how the financial system evolves in alignment with both Shariah principles and digital innovation.