The event, titled ‘A Decade of Empowering Islamic Finance’, was held at the IBA City Campus and brought together leading scholars, banking experts, and industry practitioners from Pakistan and abroad.
The ceremony began with a welcoming address by Dr. Erum Saboohi, Director of IBA CEIF, who noted that the center’s progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the country’s Islamic banks and, in particular, the State Bank of Pakistan.
She expressed special gratitude to partner institutions including Faysal Bank, UBL Ameen, Meezan Bank, Al Baraka Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Humaia Takaful, and Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company.
IBA’s Executive Director, Dr. Akbar Zaidi, highlighted that 2025 is a landmark year, marking the 70th anniversary of IBA. He also announced that IBA SBS has earned the prestigious AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 6% of business schools worldwide. Dr. Zaidi emphasized the rising global significance of the Halal economy and called for a forward thinking roadmap for the next decade of Islamic finance.
The Guest of Honour, Herman Hardinata Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia, underscored the role of Islamic finance in promoting transparency, social welfare, and responsible economic behavior. Pointing to global trends, he said that Green Sukuk, digital Islamic banking, Islamic social finance, and technological transformation will shape the future of the industry.
Former Governor of the State Bank and founding Chairman of IBA CEIF, Dr. Ishrat Husain, stressed that Islamic finance is increasingly becoming a pillar of Pakistan’s economic progress. He urged the establishment of more centers like CEIF across the country, noting that shared effort is the fuel that moves an industry forward.
The Chief Guest, Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, praised CEIF as a guiding force in the expansion of Islamic finance nationwide. He stated that as Pakistan transitions toward a fully Islamic banking system, building a strong and resilient economic framework will be crucial.
A special panel discussion on global trends in Islamic finance added further depth to the event, featuring insights from leading professionals in the field.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding between IBA and several major institutions, including UBL, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, Askari Bank, BankIslami, Al Baraka Pakistan, Faysal Bank, Maldives Islamic Bank, and First Habib Modaraba a move expected to strengthen both academic and industry partnerships.
