Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Pakistan, shared his message for ICIBF. He said that ICIBF has grown into a leading platform for dialogue and thought leadership in Islamic finance. He noted that this year’s theme reflects the global shift toward technology, sustainability, and ethical excellence. As Pakistan’s financial sector continues to evolve, he emphasized that IoBM’s commitment to digital innovation, sustainable finance, and research will help develop future leaders and strengthen the country’s financial landscape.
In his Welcome Address, Talib Syed Karim, President of IoBM, said Islamic banking is growing faster than conventional banking, bringing greater responsibility upon the policymakers. He stressed the need for trained professionals, regulatory alignment, and understanding new technologies. In his Opening Remarks, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif highlighted that we are at a transformative moment as digital transition reshapes the future. He noted that Islamic finance, founded on shared prosperity and justice, is evolving within this new landscape. He also pointed to the participation of over 20 international speakers as a testament to the rising global and national significance of Islamic banking.
Prominent figures from Pakistan’s banking and finance sector who addressed the audience at the inaugural session were Yousuf Hussain, President & CEO, Faysal Bank; Prof. Dr. S. M Tariq Rafi, Chairman Sindh HEC; Dr. Ishrat Husain, Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Irfan Siddiqui, President & CEO, Meezan Bank; Dr. Mohamed Lamine M. Sylla, Head of Research and Studies Division, International Islamic Fiqh Academy, Saudi Arabia; Muhammad Atif Hanif, CEO, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor of SBP and Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar, Aalim Judge, Federal Shariah Court; and M. Bashir Janmohammad, Chancellor, IoBM. The Conference was attended by IoBM’s Rector, Deans, Head of Departments, Faculty, and Management.
An exclusive dialogue between Irfan Siddiqui, President & CEO, Meezan Bank, and Dr. Ishrat Husain, Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, presented forward-looking insights that will help shape the trajectory of Islamic banking in Pakistan. At the Conference, two books co-authored by Prof. Dr. Imam Uddin, Director CIBF-IoBM and Co-Chair of ICIBF, were also unveiled. The first book was Islamic Financial Institutions: An Introduction (Routledge, UK), has been published. The second book was Islamic Transformation of Conventional Finance and Economy: Navigating Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges, and Implementing Solutions, which will be released soon by Emerald Publishing.
Distinguished leaders of Pakistan’s banking sector who addressed the inaugural session emphasized how the conference brought together industry experts to assess the current landscape and chart a roadmap for sustainable growth. Speakers underscored the sector’s ethical foundations, commitment to financial inclusion, and adherence to Shariah-compliant principles, key factors in reinforcing resilience, expanding market share, and contributing to national economic development. The discussions focused on emerging areas such as Islamic fintech, sustainable finance, harmonizing Shariah standards, and smart sukuks. Experts highlighted the rapid digital transformation propelled by AI, fintech collaborations, and automation, all aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. ICIBF will also feature research paper presentations, where students will showcase their work on various topics related to Islamic business and finance. The conference showcased the shared vision and expertise of Pakistan’s leading banking executives, who are playing a crucial role in shaping the next phase of Islamic finance. Their insights at ICIBF 2025 are set to influence policy, drive innovation, and reinforce Pakistan’s standing as a regional leader in Islamic banking.
