Pakistan Banks Association elects Zafar Masud as Chairman, constitutes 16-member EC

LAHORE: The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) elected and constituted a new 16-member Executive Committee, including two female members and eight newly inducted member banks, marking a strategic shift toward greater inclusivity and broader industry representation.

Following the elections, the Executive Committee unanimously elected Zafar Masud, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bank of Punjab, as Chairman of the PBA.

Commenting on his election, Masud said the newly constituted Executive Committee represents an important evolution in the Association’s governance.

PBA holding PBS25 summit from 24th

He noted that the expanded and more diverse membership strengthens the PBA’s ability to advance a National Economic Agenda, with a focus on bridging credit gaps in priority sectors, accelerating financial inclusion through digital channels, and supporting Pakistan’s sustainable economic recovery.

The leadership team also includes Nassir Salim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Habib Bank Limited, as Senior Vice Chairman, and Yousaf Hussain, President and Chief Executive Officer of Faysal Bank Limited, as Vice Chairman.

Nassir Salim emphasized the importance of resilience and strong compliance frameworks amid global headwinds, while Yousaf Hussain highlighted modernization, technology adoption, and agility as key priorities to ensure the banking sector remains innovative and regionally competitive.

Commenting on the milestone, Muneer Kamal, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the PBA, said that the expansion of the Executive Committee, including the historic inclusion of female representation, reflects the Association’s commitment to diversity and modern governance.

Under the new leadership, the PBA aims to deepen collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Government to support infrastructure development, expand private sector credit for agriculture and SMEs, and advance the country’s digital transformation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025