Creating awareness and developing a clear understanding of Islamic Banking among the general public is a key driver for the long-term success of the Islamic banking industry in Pakistan. In line with this vision, Allied Bank – Islamic Banking Group (IBG) organized a Customer Awareness Program on Wednesday, 01st March 2017, in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Distinguished Attendees and Thought Leadership
The seminar was led by Mr. Muhammad Idrees, Chief of Islamic Banking Group – ABL, alongside Group Head Business Shaikh Raashed Rauf, Mufti Ehsan Waqar, Chairman Shariah Board, and members of the Shariah team.
The event was graced by the presence of:
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Mr. Sohaib Saeed, President – AJK Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AJKCCI)
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Mr. Umer Shahzad, Vice President – AJKCCI
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Mr. Basil Siddique, Additional Commissioner – Income Tax
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Local dignitaries and members of the business community
Participants Appreciate Islamic Banking Engagement
Attendees welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the seminar’s contribution in deepening their understanding of Islamic Banking, its relevance to day-to-day financial transactions, and various Shariah-compliant banking solutions.
Banking Developments and Infrastructure Highlights
Mr. Muhammad Idrees shared insights on the strategic initiatives of ABL Islamic Banking in recent years, particularly in product innovation and branch network expansion. He also highlighted that Allied Bank’s ATM network remains one of the most reliable and widely used alternative delivery channels in Pakistan, a fact backed by State Bank of Pakistan’s official usage data.
He reiterated ABL Islamic Banking Group’s mission to offer a wide range of Shariah-compliant financial products to meet the needs of the masses.
Shariah Perspective: Clarifying Concepts and Misconceptions
The Shariah Board, led by Mufti Ehsan Waqar, delivered an in-depth presentation on various principles and aspects of Islamic Banking. A highly interactive Q&A session followed, during which participants eagerly asked questions related to Islamic finance.
The scholars responded comprehensively, addressing the practical applications of Islamic Banking, the difference between Riba and interest, and their interpretation from a Shariah perspective.
Community Endorsement and ABL’s Role in Financial Inclusion
Mr. Sohaib Saeed, President AJKCCI, praised Allied Bank’s efforts and described the session as successful and informative. Members of the business community commended the initiative for bringing clarity to a topic that is increasingly relevant and widely discussed.
Commitment to the Growth of Islamic Banking in Pakistan
Allied Bank Islamic Banking Group reaffirmed its commitment to actively contribute to the growth of Islamic Banking in Pakistan. Through ongoing awareness programs and an expanding branch network, the Bank aims to promote financial inclusion and advance Shariah-compliant financial practices nationwide.
As of 2017, ABL Islamic Banking operated 77 dedicated branches across various cities in Pakistan, with plans to further increase its footprint in the near future.