Meezan Bank once again stood in the spotlight as it secured the “Best Bank Award” for the third time at the 10th Pakistan Banking Awards held in Karachi. This proud moment reflected a journey shaped by trust, steady values, and a deep respect for how banking has always worked, while still stepping forward with hope. The award honoured the bank’s constant growth and lasting commitment to excellence.
Strong Presence of The Bank of Punjab
The Bank of Punjab shone brightly at the event, taking home three major awards that drew warm applause from the audience. It earned recognition for Agriculture Inclusion, Women Inclusion, and SMEs. These wins reflected the bank’s growing efforts to reach groups often left behind. The moment carried a gentle reminder that banks supporting communities help build a future filled with promise, progress, and shared strength.
Award Winners Table
| Bank / Institution | Award Title |
|---|---|
| Meezan Bank | Best Bank Award |
| Bank of Punjab | Best Bank for Agriculture Inclusion |
| Bank of Punjab | Best Bank for Women Inclusion |
| Bank of Punjab | Best Bank for SMEs |
| Bank Alfalah | Best Bank for Digital Excellence |
| Bank Alfalah | Best Bank for Customer Engagement |
| Kashf Foundation | Best Microfinance Institution |
| Faysal Bank | Best Mid-sized Bank |
| HBL | Best Bank for ESG |
Bank Alfalah Shines in Digital and Customer Care
Bank Alfalah received two important awards, reflecting its blend of modern ideas and human care. It was honoured for Digital Excellence and Customer Engagement, showing its efforts to make banking smoother for all. As daily life speeds up, the bank’s digital work acts like a gentle bridge between past trust and future ease. Its growing focus on customers adds warmth to its rising digital journey.
Recognition for Other Leading Institutions
Several other institutions were also honoured. Kashf Foundation earned the award for Best Microfinance Institution for supporting small borrowers. Faysal Bank was named Best Mid-sized Bank for its stable progress. HBL secured the Best Bank for ESG award, showing its focus on environmental and social goals. Together, these awards painted a picture of a financial sector slowly learning to grow wider and serve people more meaningfully.
SBP Governor’s Call for Change
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad praised the awards but expressed concern over low lending to the private sector. He warned that banks relying too much on safe government returns risk slowing innovation. His message carried a deep truth: progress rises when banks support people who take risks and build dreams. He urged institutions to rethink their direction in the coming decade for a stronger financial future.
Four Key Priorities for Future Banking
The governor shared four priorities to guide banks through change. First, deeper digitalisation for smoother customer journeys and better operations. Second, wider use of AI and machine-learning tools to support small firms and start-ups. Third, climate-focused lending and clear sustainability targets. Fourth, stronger support for exporters to help Pakistan compete globally. These goals reflected a thoughtful balance between tradition and modern needs.
Concerns Over Slow Economic Growth
In a video message, Dawn CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani appreciated the decade-long effort behind the awards but worried about slow economic growth. She said the numbers showed banks must do more to help the economy rise. Her concern echoed the belief that a nation moves forward when its financial system supports every dream trying to grow. Her words added a thoughtful note to the evening.
A Celebrated Gathering of Financial Leaders
The event, organised by NIBAF, Dawn Media Group, and A.F. Ferguson & Co., brought together leading financial institutions from across the country. It was more than a ceremony; it was a reflection of progress, hope, and the long road still ahead. As the evening closed, the air held a soft promise that steady effort, wise choices, and courage to evolve will shape a stronger banking future for Pakistan.
