As the financial system transitions, deeper Islamic capital markets and a broader investment industry will become increasingly interconnected. We examine Sukuk, infrastructure financing and secondary markets, alongside Islamic funds, pensions and real-asset strategies. How can Pakistan increase the supply and diversity of Shariah-compliant assets, broaden institutional and retail participation, and encourage innovation? We discuss how refined distribution and market infrastructure can improve access and liquidity and support a wider Islamic investment ecosystem.

Moderator:
Sadaf Sawant, Senior Product Associate, Group Islamic Banking, Habib Bank AG Zurich

Panelists:
Jawad Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer, Pakistan Stock Exchange
Naeem Khanani, Chief Executive Officer, DigiEstate Private
Rukhsana Narejo, Chief Treasury and Alternate Investments, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank
Syed Umair Alam Zaidi, EVP, Head of Debt Capital Markets and Syndications, Faysal Bank
Dr Tariq Naseem, Head of Islamic Finance Department, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

We examine how innovation is reshaping Pakistan’s Islamic financial sector, from AI-enabled processes and mobile-first platforms to fintech partnerships and open banking. We consider the opportunities and challenges of the transformation journey, including legacy infrastructure, implementation, skills, regulatory expectations and the integration of Shariah governance. We explore emerging opportunities in tokenisation and embedded finance, and how technology can support greater access, efficiency and financial inclusion.

Moderator:
Asim Hameed, Head of Products & Transformation, HabibMetro Bank

Panelists:
Adnan Syed, Senior Fintech Specialist, Sindh Social Protection Authority
Fasih Azhar Siddiqui, Asia Advisor, Regulation & Market Development, Al Mabrook Principal, SID & Co
Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi, Executive Director Islamic Finance and Financial Inclusion Groups, State Bank of Pakistan
Husain Alkhaja, GCC Regional Director, DDCAP
Zaid Naveed, Head Business Strategy and Market Intelligence, Habib Bank AG Zurich

Mufti Muhammad Najeeb Khan, Chairperson Shariah Board, HabibMetro Bank
Shahzaib Rajper, Shariah Board Member, HabibMetro Bank