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KARACHI, July 7,2026: The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) on Monday opened the second Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 (PBS’26), bringing together policymakers, regulators, bankers and global experts to discuss reforms needed to strengthen Pakistan’s financial sector and accelerate economic growth.
More than 600 participants attended the opening day, including senior government officials, banking executives, international experts, development partners, academics and corporate leaders.
The summit focused on key economic and financial priorities. Participants discussed global economic trends, digital transformation, priority-sector financing, payment systems and emerging technologies. At the same time, the event aimed to promote collaboration, share global best practices and identify practical solutions for a more resilient and inclusive financial system.
Opening the summit, PBA Chairman Zafar Masud highlighted the banking sector’s progress in expanding priority-sector financing, promoting financial inclusion and accelerating digital transformation. However, he stressed that stronger coordination among banks, regulators and policymakers remains essential to support Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.
Chief Guest Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan is moving from economic stabilization to sustainable, investment-led growth. He described the banking sector as a key driver of this transition and called for greater financing for SMEs through a coordinated industry-wide approach.
Furthermore, Aurangzeb outlined the government’s reform agenda, covering taxation, capital markets, digital assets and revenue administration.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani presented the government’s roadmap for building a cashless economy. He said wider adoption of digital payments, technology and stronger public-private partnerships will expand financial inclusion, improve economic documentation and support long-term growth.
State Bank of Pakistan Deputy Governor Saleem Ullah outlined the central bank’s strategy to improve SME financing and strengthen the sector’s contribution to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Offering an international perspective, Shahmir Khaliq, Global Head of Services at Citi, highlighted the growing importance of digital innovation, interoperable payment systems and cross-border connectivity in shaping the future of banking.
Other prominent speakers included Simon Andrews, Regional Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC); Dr. Ailish Campbell, Executive Vice President of Global Public Sector at Mastercard; and Maximilian Biswanger, Investment Director and Head of Digital Financial Services.
The summit will continue on July 8 with discussions on Pakistan’s economic outlook, capital markets, climate-responsive banking, sustainable finance, Islamic banking, and leadership development. Organizers said the second day will further strengthen policy dialogue and industry collaboration to help build a more competitive and future-ready financial sector.
