PROVINCE REPORT
KARACHI: The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) successfully concluded the Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 (PBS’26), reaffirming the banking industry’s commitment to innovation, digital transformation and the development of a future-ready financial ecosystem. The two-day summit brought together policymakers, regulators, bankers, technology experts and industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of Pakistan’s financial sector.
More than 1,000 participants attended the summit, making it one of the country’s largest banking events. The gathering featured leading local and international experts who shared insights on artificial intelligence (AI), digital banking, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, customer experience and sustainable financial growth.
The summit was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, while Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmad and Chairman Pakistan Banks’ Association Zafar Masud also addressed the participants. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif delivered a special video message highlighting the importance of innovation and technology in strengthening Pakistan’s banking sector.
More than 15 local and international speakers and 20 expert panelists participated in the event, discussing emerging trends, technological advancements and policy reforms aimed at transforming Pakistan’s banking industry into a modern, customer-centric financial system.
Speaking at the closing session, Zafar Masud said the banking industry is actively working to adopt artificial intelligence to improve customer services, enhance operational efficiency and expand financial inclusion. He noted that the summit provided an effective platform for meaningful dialogue between regulators, financial institutions, technology companies and academia.
During the two-day event, participants explored a wide range of issues, including digital payments, fintech innovation, data security, responsible AI, financial literacy, green banking and strategies to increase access to financial services across the country.
Zafar Masud emphasized that Pakistan’s banking sector must continue investing in technology, innovation and human capital to meet future challenges. He said stronger collaboration between financial institutions and technology partners would help accelerate digital transformation and improve the quality of banking services.
Concluding the summit, he stated that artificial intelligence is not merely a technological tool but a driving force for building a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable financial system. He expressed confidence that the ideas and recommendations presented during Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 would contribute significantly to shaping the future of Pakistan’s banking industry.
