The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) has officially announced the second edition of the Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 (PBS'26), scheduled for July 7–8, 2026 in Karachi. This flagship annual industry event aims to foster collaboration, share global best practices, and advance policy dialogue for the long-term development of Pakistan’s financial sector.
Summit Details and Participants
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, PBS'26 will convene more than 1,200 participants, including policymakers, regulators, banking leaders, corporate executives, academia, and development partners. The programme features over 15 international speakers participating in person, more than 20 local thought leaders, and representation from over 48 financial institutions. A special video address by Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor of LUMS, is also scheduled.
Confirmed keynote speakers include Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue; Jameel Ahmad, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan; and Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance & Railways and Head of the PM’s Delivery Unit.
Thematic Sessions and Focus Areas
Across nine thematic sessions, PBS'26 will examine key issues shaping Pakistan’s financial landscape. Topics include the global and domestic economic outlook, financing priority sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, and low-cost housing, digital banking and payments, climate-responsive finance, synergies between banks and capital markets, Islamic banking, and next-generation talent and leadership.
Press Conference Announcement
The Summit was formally announced at a press conference in Karachi by Atif Bajwa, Chairman of the PBS Steering Committee and President & CEO of Bank Alfalah; Zafar Masud, Chairman of PBA and President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab; and Muneer Kamal, CEO & Secretary General of PBA. They were joined by PBS Steering Committee members Yousaf Hussain, Vice Chairman of PBA and President & CEO of Faysal Bank, and Habib Yousuf, Citi Country Officer & Banking Head, Citi Pakistan.
Atif Bajwa stated: “The timing of PBS’26 is particularly significant. Coming immediately after the announcement of the Federal Budget, the Summit provides a timely opportunity for policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and international experts to reflect on the country’s economic priorities and discuss how those ambitions can be translated into meaningful outcomes. More importantly, it moves the conversation beyond policy announcements towards implementation, collaboration, and practical solutions.”
Zafar Masud commented: “For too long, the banking industry’s engagement with policy has been fragmented. The Pakistan Banking Summit changes that by bringing together the industry’s collective leadership with government, regulators, and international partners on one platform. When the industry convenes with purpose, policymakers listen. PBS’26 is about building consensus, sharing global best practices, and collectively shaping the future of Pakistan’s financial sector.”
Muneer Kamal added: “The Pakistan Banking Summit reflects the banking industry’s commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and collective progress. By bringing together diverse perspectives from Pakistan and around the world, PBS’26 will help generate practical insights, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to a more resilient, innovative, and future-ready financial ecosystem.”
Impact and Vision
As the banking industry’s flagship annual platform, PBS'26 underscores the sector’s commitment to fostering industry-wide collaboration and strengthening engagement between public and private sectors. By bringing together diverse voices and global perspectives, the Summit aims to generate actionable insights, encourage meaningful policy dialogue, and contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready financial system that supports Pakistan’s long-term economic development.
