Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Mr. Jameel Ahmad, engaged in an interactive session with the participants of the 27th batch of the State Bank Officers Training Scheme (SBOTS-27) on August 6, 2025. The session was hosted at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) in Islamabad and served as a vital platform for exchanging views on the current dynamics of Pakistan’s financial sector, the direction of central banking, and the transformative role of future SBP officers.
This dialogue between the central bank’s highest leadership and its future cadre of officers offered a rare and valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain firsthand insights into the vision and challenges that define Pakistan’s economic policymaking today. As the financial system continues to evolve in the face of technological disruption, global economic uncertainty, and local regulatory demands, the role of the SBP and its officers remains central to steering the country toward fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth.
During the session, Governor Jameel Ahmad discussed the State Bank’s evolving priorities in areas such as inflation control, financial inclusion, digital banking, and the strengthening of Pakistan’s payment systems. He highlighted the growing importance of innovation, resilience, and evidence-based policy formulation in central banking, especially as emerging technologies continue to reshape the financial landscape.
The Governor emphasized that the SBOTS-27 trainees represent the future leadership of the central bank and will be key players in implementing the reforms and strategies required to meet both domestic and international financial obligations. He encouraged participants to approach their careers with a mindset of integrity, analytical depth, and public service.
A strong focus of the interaction was placed on the strategic role the SBP is expected to play in fostering financial inclusion through the digital economy. Governor Ahmad underlined the need for a more inclusive banking framework that can extend financial services to underserved regions and communities while maintaining a robust regulatory environment. He also discussed ongoing initiatives in strengthening cybersecurity protocols, enhancing data-driven policymaking, and expanding access to mobile banking and fintech-driven platforms.
Participants of SBOTS-27, who come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, shared their views and asked questions that touched upon monetary policy, macroeconomic stability, and the practical implications of regulatory frameworks. The open dialogue contributed to a deeper mutual understanding between the institution’s leadership and its upcoming professionals.
NIBAF’s role as a hub for such learning and interaction was also acknowledged during the session, reinforcing its importance in equipping officers with the technical knowledge and leadership qualities required for public sector excellence.
As Pakistan navigates the complexities of a shifting global financial order, initiatives like these underline the SBP’s commitment to grooming talent that is prepared to lead with clarity, competence, and national interest at heart. The session closed with a shared sense of purpose and confidence in the ability of young officers to uphold the SBP’s legacy and push its mission forward in the years ahead.