Imran Samad

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rehmatullah. The decreasing trend in policy rate will be continued. As MDR on saving deposits prescribed by SBP is not applicable to IBIs, I think IBIs should mitigate Displaced Commercial Risk (DCR) by paying competitive rates of return as compare to the conventional banks. As it would also be challenging during conversion process. To control the situation regulator/SBP should withdraw the condition of MDR on saving deposits for all types of banks as per relevant provision of Section 26-A -DEPOSITS of BCO-1962 OR it may be applicable to all types of banks including IBIs as related AAOIFI SHARIAH STANDARD allows government/regulator to fix the rate of return/MDR for saving deposits in the monopoly condition.

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To Allied Bank Limited, Meezan Bank Limited, and others in the industry: It’s time to invest in your customer service and, more importantly, in your people. I try to approach banking like any other customer, without any special protocol. Unfortunately, my recent experiences have left me questioning this approach. Cashing a simple cheque, even in an empty branch, has turned into a frustrating 20-30 minute ordeal. Multiple counters, endless delays, and the kind of attitude that makes you wonder if the staff is genuinely there to help customers at all. The behavior of many bank staff, from managers to tellers, has been shockingly rude and unfriendly, leaving me feeling more like a nuisance than a valued client. It’s disheartening to see bank employees acting as if they’re underpaid or, at best, uninterested. Staff are often either deep in conversation with each other, lost in their phones, or just plain unwilling to engage. And this isn’t after a long day; these are pre-lunch hour interactions. The lack of professionalism and any sense of urgency creates an atmosphere that feels more like a forced favor than a service, leaving customers stranded and waiting for help. Ironically, this comes at a time when Pakistani banks are pouring resources into advertising their "digital advancements" and "customer-centric" initiatives. We’re being urged to move towards a cashless economy, yet the on-ground reality of basic banking services is different. ATMs are frequently out of order or overcrowded, and staff interactions suggest they’d rather be anywhere else. Banks in Pakistan need to re-evaluate their priorities. Digital transformation is great, but without the basics—customer care, professionalism, and a team that’s ready to help, these promises feel empty. A cashless, digital future doesn’t mean much if customers can’t even get the basic services they need, with respect and in a reasonable time.

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Pakistani banks are shifting away from relying on large corporate deposits by imposing penalties and discouraging deposit growth. Historically, banks prioritized financing big corporates and investing excess funds in high-return government instruments, leaving the public and SMEs with minimal benefits. However, with declining interest rates and regulatory taxes on low Advance-to-Deposit Ratios (ADR), banks are now compelled to innovate. This includes exploring new financing avenues such as supply chain financing, SME lending, marketplace partnerships, and collaborations with fintechs, NBFCs, and DFIs. The goal is to redirect funds into productive economic activities, fostering inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable growth. Read full article by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/dgxrzYTq #PakistaniBanks #SMEFinancing #bigdeposites #deposites #banksinpakistan #SupplyChainFinancing #ADR #SBP #FintechIntegration #EconomicGrowth #BankingInnovation #FinancialInclusion #islamicbanking #islamicfunance #fintech Dr. Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani Usmani & Co Private Limited Greens Fintech Innovation Ltd DIFC UAE IMarkPlace Hira Foundation School Hira Institute of Emerging Sciences - HIES CIE- Centre For Islamic Economics #meezanbank

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Pakistan: Nepra hearing: IPPs capacity payments projected to rise by 33pc to Rs2.8tr in next fiscal In fiscal year 2023/24, capacity payments constituted a staggering 71 per cent of the power purchase price

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State Bank of Pakistan Webinar Series on Economics and Finance Professor Fabio Braggion will be delivering a talk on the topic “Long-term effects of inflation on inflation expectations" on May 07, 2024 Registration: https://lnkd.in/eDWvdiaW #centralbank #sbp #monetarypolicy #macroeconomics #finance #webinar #research #StateBankofPakistan #inflation #inflationExpectations

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Ms. Khursheed Kotwal and Syed Irfan Ali talked about: The microfinance sector faces ongoing challenges, but collaboration, effective policymaking, and focused investment are essential for its growth and sustainability. By supporting women entrepreneurs, fostering gender balance, and promoting discipline, we can ensure the sector's continued contribution to Pakistan's economy. #AMC8 #Microfinance#AnnualMicrofinanceConference #Pakistanmicrofinancenetwork #FinancialInclusion #AMC8 #pmn #2024 #MicrofinanceFuture #FinanceNetworking

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BankIslami Achieves Remarkable Financial Results of PKR 6.3 Billion Before Tax Profit in Q1 2024! Maintaining its growth momentum, BankIslami delivered an impressive return for its shareholders, with a remarkable 99% surge in its profit before tax for the first quarter of 2024. The Bank's profit before tax reached Rs. 6.3 billion, with a post-tax profit of Rs. 3.2 billion, representing a growth of 79.2%. Despite adverse market conditions, the Bank remains committed to financial excellence. Prominently, it demonstrated magnificent cost efficiency, as evidenced by the reduced cost-to-income ratio of 43.1% during the period, compared to 47.9% in the same period last year. BankIslami strategically expanded its investment portfolio and grew its financing portfolio despite navigating through ongoing economic uncertainty. Consequently, the investment portfolio reached Rs. 332.2 billion, while the financing portfolio was at Rs. 253.6 billion showing an improvement in infection ratio to 8.2% from 9.0% in December 2023. The infection ratio of Islamic portfolios (i.e. excluding conventional portfolios inherited from combined entities) also improved from 6.9% in December 2023 to 6.3% in March 2024. In Q1 2024, in spite of a 4.9% decrease in the deposit book compared to December 2023, the Bank observed a substantial year-on-year increase of 20.8%. The Bank is dedicated to increase its deposit base by promoting healthy growth in Current and Savings Accounts (CASA), supported by a strategic blend of initiatives aimed at strengthening trade finance, employee banking, and cash management business. With heightened profitability and an enhanced credit risk profile, the Bank's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at an impressive 22.82%, well above the regulatory threshold of 11.50% Way forward, the Bank is committed to its trajectory growth by expanding its deposit base, leveraging its extensive network, which has now surpassed 450 branches, and improved the customer experience through targeted technological advancements and an expanded digital footprint. #BankIslami #Q1 #FinancialResults

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"Pakistan lags in financial literacy, inclusion, and fintech adoption," says Mr. Khaliq uz Zaman."Many lack basic financial knowledge and access to banking services, especially in rural areas. Despite growth, the fintech sector faces regulatory and digital literacy challenges, hindering widespread adoption. Addressing these issues is crucial for catching up with global advancements and ensuring broader economic participation." #FinancialLiteracy #Fintech #FMAP

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Mr. Muhammad Aminuddin, CEO TPL Insurance shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities for the insurance industry in addressing climate risks. #TPLInsurance #ClimateChange #RiskManagement #AMC8 #AnnualMicrofinanceConference #Pakistanmicrofinancenetwork #FinancialInclusion #AMC8 #pmn #2024 #MicrofinanceFuture #FinanceNetworking

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The Annual PBT of Meezan at Rs 200 bln is more than the entire Mkt Cap of HBL. In simple layman's term >>> you can acquire the largest Bank in Pakistan with One years Profit (before Tax) of Meezan!! Talk of Valuation >>> Price is what you pay; Value is what you receive!!!

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The Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its meeting held on November 4, 2024, has decided to reduce the policy rate by 250 bps to 15 percent. For detail information, click on the below link: https://lnkd.in/dgybdTdX #mufap #SBP #MonetaryPolicy #pakistan #Savings #investments #mutualfunds

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The Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its meeting held on June 10, 2024, has decided to reduce the policy rate by 150 bps to 20.5 percent. For detail information, click on the below link: https://lnkd.in/dKp89eGF #mufap #SBP #MonetaryPolicy #pakistan #Savings #investments #mutualfunds

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🚨 Why Pakistan Govt Should Reevaluate IPP Contracts and Hold Them Accountable 🚨 The current strategy of extending subsidies towards bill payment end-user, [Indirectly] Independent Power Producers (IPPs) is a short-term fix, but it doesn’t address the root issues. Here’s why the government should prioritize reviewing IPP contracts and enforcing accountability: 1. Contractual Discrepancies: A thorough review w.r.t National Interest instead of corporate benefits could uncover discrepancies and ensure that contracts are renegotiated to better serve the public interest. 2. Production Capacity vs. Billing: There are instances where IPPs have charged for capacities they haven’t actually produced. Conducting a detailed audit can reveal these discrepancies and hold IPPs accountable for overcharging or inefficiencies. (uncovered by x-minister) 3. Long-Term Solutions: Subsidies are a band-aid solution that doesn’t address underlying issues. By auditing and revising contracts, the government can implement more sustainable changes, ensuring fair pricing and better energy management. 4. Transparency and Accountability: Opening audits and penalizing IPPs for unjustified charges promotes transparency and integrity within the energy sector. This can restore public trust and create a more equitable system. Addressing these issues head-on will not only help in managing costs but also pave the way for a more transparent and efficient energy sector. The focus should be on long-term reforms rather than temporary relief and move-out. #EnergyReform #Accountability #PakistanEnergy #Transparency

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Panel 2 (The Importance of Women’s Inclusion in Microfinance) discussed thought-provoking discussion on the critical role of women's inclusion in microfinance. Leading experts from the financial sector will share insights on challenges, opportunities, and best practices. #FinancialInclusion #WomenEmpowerment #Microfinance #Pakistan#AMC8 #Microfinance#AnnualMicrofinanceConference#Pakistanmicrofinancenetwork #FinancialInclusion#AMC8 hashtag#pmn#2024#MicrofinanceFuture#FinanceNetworking

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Our elders may have conceived the idea of ‘Islamic Banking &Finance’ (IB&F) with a noble intent, but with trial & error over time the theory has gone redundant, because of its obligatory involvement with ‘Riba’. The primary goal of economics is to ensure that harmony prevails amongst people living in societies, so that there is socioeconomic justice in wealth production & distribution.  Riba means; ‘increase’ and interest also has the same characteristics i.e. it also increases over & above the principal amount. Therefore, if the outcome of a deal results in an ‘increase’ or a profit, because of benchmarking of deals to interest rates. Then there is no risk to enter into any type of business deal. This type of increase has been forbidden by Allah SWT. Instead, we have been told to take business risk/or real economic activity, so that there is productivity and labors, workers, farmers etc get jobs.   It is important to note that along with; a. interest (Al-Quran 30/39) there is no concept of following in Islam i.e. of; b. loans (2:280 to 2:283), as money making option, c. leveraging (4:161); whereby depositors’ money is wrongfully appropriated by government, rich entrepreneur & companies and d. system of banking (both Islamic & conventional), whereby money is traded like a commodity (2/275). By taking interest/Kibor into account; both Islamic and conventional banks are not taking business risks and rely on only credit risk. It is unfortunate that Shariah scholars and regulators as Qazi have ignored the first four steps given below to pass the verdict based on the fifth; that Islamic deals can be pegged to interest. Shariah principles have taught us that while arguing to solve a question, the Qazi should; 1. first consult Al-Quran. If the answer were not clear there, 2. then he should refer to the authentic sayings of Prophet Muhammad SAW and 3. decisions of Prophet Muhammad SAW, if the answer continued to elude the judge, 4. he then should look to 'the consensus' (Ijma) of Muslim scholars on the matter. 5. Still failing to find a solution, the judge could form his own answer by analogy from 'the precedent nearest in resemblance and most appropriate' to the case at hand. In view of the above, we appeal Shariah scholars and regulators to do Ijm'a on subject, and stop the use of Kibor in IB&F. https://lnkd.in/dCMUPSAV

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Join me in watching an insightful discussion on Indus Motor Company Ltd as Umer Serang shares his insights on the company's outlook and the latest updates on the Auto Sector of Pakistan. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation https://lnkd.in/eXKE2MR9

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