Pakistan Banking Summit: Industry leaders to shape future of Pakistan’s financial sector at PBS 2026

Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 will bring together more than 1,200 policymakers, regulators, banking executives and international experts in Karachi on 7–8 July as the industry seeks to strengthen collaboration and shape the future of Pakistan’s financial sector.

Organised by the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), the second edition of the Pakistan Banking Summit (PBS’26) aims to build on the success of its inaugural event by creating a platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Karachi by Atif Bajwa, Chairman of the Pakistan Banking Summit Steering Committee and President and CEO of Bank Alfalah; Zafar Masud, Chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association and President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab; and Muneer Kamal, CEO and Secretary General of the Pakistan Banks Association. They were joined by members of the summit’s steering committee, including Yousaf Hussain, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association and President and CEO of Faysal Bank, and Habib Yousuf, Citi Pakistan’s Country Officer and Banking Head.

The summit will feature nine thematic sessions focusing on key issues affecting Pakistan’s financial sector, including the domestic and global economic outlook, financing for agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), affordable housing, digital banking, payment systems, climate finance, Islamic banking, capital markets and the development of future banking leaders.

More than 15 international speakers and over 20 local experts will participate in the event alongside representatives from more than 48 financial institutions. The programme will also include a special video address by Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro-Chancellor of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

Confirmed keynote speakers include Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani.

Speaking at the press conference, Atif Bajwa said the timing of the summit is significant because it follows the announcement of the federal budget, providing an opportunity for policymakers and industry leaders to move beyond policy announcements and focus on implementation, collaboration and practical solutions.

PBA Chairman Zafar Masud said the summit would provide a unified platform for the banking industry to engage with government, regulators and international partners, helping build consensus on reforms and the future direction of Pakistan’s financial sector.

Muneer Kamal said the event reflects the banking industry’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. He added that the summit aims to generate practical ideas, strengthen partnerships and contribute to building a resilient and future-ready financial ecosystem.

The Pakistan Banks Association said PBS’26 is intended to strengthen engagement between the public and private sectors while supporting long-term economic growth through meaningful policy discussions and actionable recommendations.