ADVERTISEMENT SUPPLEMENT DAWN FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2018 1

Messages

Tariq Bajwa Hameed Haroon Farooq Shaikh Syed Shabbar Zaidi

Governor, Chief Executive Officer, Acting Chief Executive, Senior Partner,
State Bank of Pakistan DAWN Media Group Institute of Bankers Pakistan A.F. Ferguson & Co.

I would like to commend the organisers once again for this

initiative of recognising the banking services through this
award and convening the event in its 3rd year.
Today’s event is a celebration of the banking sector’s achieve-
ments so far. Pakistan’s banking sector is a pivotal contributor
in the promotion of the overall economic wellbeing, socio-eco-
nomic development and financial stability of the country.
However, its performance and contribution remains contingent
upon the developments in the rest of the economy.
Appreciably, maintaining its upward trajectory, Pakistan’s
economic growth increased to a thirteen-year high level of 5.8
percent in the last fiscal year. This momentum owed primarily
to a growth-oriented policy mix over the past 3 years: historic
low interest rates; higher development spending by the govern-
ment; smooth energy supplies; and a continued support to the
farm sector. The resultant investments in and consequent
expansion of the production capacity of the major sectors ena-
bled the economy to achieve high growth without generating
inflationary pressures. Here, the role of banks is also apprecia-
ble since growth in private sector credit was strong and invest-
ment edged up in terms of GDP.
However, structural weaknesses in the economy, e.g., low tax
base, weak export orientation, and overall challenging condi-
tions for doing business, have remained largely unaddressed,
which coupled with higher imports have resulted in the emer-
gence of twin deficits. Furthermore, political noise throughout
FY18 accentuated these problems as investors turned wary of
the uncertainties ahead. For most of FY18, SBP remained focus
on preserving stability. SBP has adjusted its policy rate to anchor
inflation expectations. Importantly, since the formation of new
government, monetary and fiscal policies have been working in
tandem. The government has proposed cuts in development
Continued on Page 2
I T gives me great pleasure to be part of the
team that has organised the third edition
of the Pakistan Banking Awards — the fi rst
of their kind awards programme, which are
now considered the industry’s benchmark for
excellence in banking.
Three years ago, DAWN, with the Institute
of Bankers Pakistan and A.F. Ferguson &
Co. (our Knowledge Partner), introduced
these awards to highlight excellence and
innovation in Pakistan’s dynamic banking
sector.
The aim of these awards is to reward
excellence and, more importantly, motivate
the industry to adopt best practices
which will enable them to introduce products
and services that promote national develop-
ment and improve the economy in the long
term.
I am extremely grateful to our distin-
guished jury members who have worked tire-
lessly this year under the leadership of Dr.
Ishrat Husain (our Jury Chair), in order to
determine the winners of this year’s awards:
Mr. Atif Bajwa, Mr. Atif R. Bukhari, Dr.
Farrokh Iqbal, Mr. Naved A. Khan, Mr. Ehsan
Ali Malik and Dr Zeelaf Munir.
I would also like to thank all the banks that
participated at this year’s awards; it is due to
their commitment to achieve excellence that
the Pakistan Banking Awards have become a
highly successful annual event. 
T HE Pakistan Banking Awards recognise the best per-
formers in various categories in the banking sector
and the financial community eagerly awaits the results.
Thus, it is important to celebrate their accomplishments
and success. As one of the organisers of the event, The
Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP), is honoured to have
been part of these Awards which have been held every
year, this being the third such event.
These Awards are jointly organised by:
IBP, which in the domain of banking, is a major platform
for talent development and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. IBP,
having among its alumni, a large number of high profile
bankers, has contributed significantly in shaping the finan-
cial services landscape of the country. It is committed to
imparting knowledge in the form of globally recognised
qualifications, certifications, quality trainings, recruit-
ment and assessment services to nurture banking profes-
sionals. It focusses on empowering aspiring bankers with
the skill sets required by the job market, while simultane-
ously providing employers with qualified human resource.
• The DAWN Media Group — The most acclaimed, trust-
worthy and respected Media Group.
• A.F. Ferguson & Co. — A member firm of the PWC net-
work; it is one of the leading and reputed public accounting,
business advisory and corporate services firms in Pakistan.
Pakistan Banking Awards provide a forum to promote,
recognise and acknowledge the performance of the banks
in various categories, which we believe, define the dynam-
ics of progressive banking.
The overwhelming response, which we have received
from the entire banking industry, after the launch of
Pakistan Banking Awards, was encouraging. I would like
Continued on Page 2
W E, at A.F. Ferguson & Co. Chartered Accountants,
are honoured to collaborate as the ‘Knowledge
Partner’ with the Institute of Bankers Pakistan and the
DAWN Media Group for the prestigious 3rd Pakistan
Banking Awards. Tonight will be a celebration of the
achievements of our banking industry, where top per-
formers would be rewarded for their contribution in
taking the industry and our economy forward in such
challenging times.
Relevance of each award category has been re-evalu-
ated and where necessary, re-conceptualised to estab-
lish unique benchmarks for recognition of superior per-
formance. The ambition is not to simply declare the best
on the basis of their financial performance; but non-fi-
nancial merits as well.
The year 2018 proved to be a tumultuous one that
highlighted difficulties banks faced in running cost-ef-
ficient, customer-centric operations against the back-
drop of an increasingly stringent regulatory environ-
ment. That said, it was also the year that witnessed
some shifts in the way our banks do business today to
generate revenue streams beyond traditional banking
channels.
It was encouraging to see an increase in the number
of participating institutions applying across all catego-
ries over the last year and we are grateful to them for
their efforts and time to prepare detailed submissions. I
would also like to thank our partner, Syed Faraz Anwer
and our team for their value-adding contribution in ena-
bling the firm truly serve as the Knowledge Partner.
We believe that these awards provide an impetus for
competition and a platform for encouraging differenti-
ated efforts to be undertaken in the sector that plays a
critical role in leading Pakistan to prosperity. 

Disruptive times for Pakistan’s

banking industry
By Syed Shabbar Zaidi mental changes have been made in the there are two acts. Acquisition of pro-
Senior Partner, A.F. Ferguson & Co. foreign exchange regulations for for- ceed of crime and its layering as being
eign currency accounts maintained in not seen as proceed of crime. Pakistan’s

P
AKISTAN’S banking indus-
try and its’ regulatory frame-
work, after the privatisation
in 1992, consolidated in line
with international standards. Pruden-
tial regulations in respect of lending
and capital required in the form of min-
imum capital requirements have been
well prescribed and complied with.
Furthermore, there was no disruptions
on account of financial crises of 2008.
Therefore, the general perception that
banking industry and its related regu-
lations have achieved international
level of compliance is well justified.
There may be divergent views on
the role of banking industry in mobi-
lising savings and diverting them for
industrialisation and lending to the
private sector. Author agrees with the
general perception and shortcoming
on that account. It is a fact that bulk of
the profit that accrued to the banking
industry in the last 10 to 15 years is on
account of guaranteed risk free lend-
ing to the government. This may lead
to the question whether or not the pre-
scription of prudential regulations
and minimum capital requirements
have actually been tested or not. This
is history.
The world in 2018 is politically and
financially very different from 1992.
The test for the Pakistani banking
industry and its’ regulatory framework,
is whether or not adequate ‘insulations’
have been incorporated to face the dis-
ruptions which are expected to arise on
that count. Following paragraphs dis-
cuss domestic and international disrup-
tions that may pose challenges to
Pakistan’s banking industry.
In post 2001, environment duly
aided by ‘Panama’ and ‘Paradise
Leaks’, the matters of tax evasions and
tax frauds, the concept of money laun-
dering and combatting terror financ-
ing are being handled under one roof.
This subject is directly related to the
matter of foreign exchange regula-
tions in the country in international
perspective. In 1992, Pakistan adopted
a policy of free movement of foreign
exchange in case of individuals.
In an economy, where ‘Tax to GDP’
ratio is below 10 per cent with a sub-
stantial junk of undocumented econ-
omy, there can be undesirable conse-
quences of free movement of foreign
exchange especially by individuals.
Furthermore, deregulations under-
taken in 1992 had not been linked with
mandatory compliance to ‘tax’ system
of the country, therefore, there are
empirical evidences that there had
been as substantial outflows of foreign
exchange out of Pakistan out of
untaxed funds.
A substantial part of such transfers
have been made out of foreign
exchange accounts maintained under
the regular banking system. In 2018,
after the interference of the Supreme
Court of Pakistan and perceived
actions from the FATF some funda-
the Pakistan’s banking system.
The effects of the major disruptions
are not yet to appear. Pakistan’s bank-
ing system would have to redesign its
procedures as from 1992 to 2018, whole
emphasis was laid down in promoting
inward remittances, which is a noble
cause and still remains our national
priority. Nevertheless, there were very
few regulatory checks for undesirable
outflows. The answer lies in transpar-
ency and adequate legislations.
The second disruption is the intro-
duction of ‘Prohibition of ‘Benami’ law
in 2017. Notwithstanding the fiscal
aspects of the ‘Benami’ transactions it
is an accepted position that this is a sys-
tem widely prevalent in our economic
culture. Traditionally banking system,
per se, deals with the ‘ostensible owner’
and there is no concept of identification
of ‘Beneficial ownership’. Nevertheless,
on account of various disruptions which
have taken place in the due course of
time, there is a strong movement to
identify the beneficial ownership. This
is a big departure from regular bank-
ing practices of ‘Know Your Customer
(KYC)’ where no enquiry is perceived
for beneficial ownership if the ostensi-
ble owner complies with the prescribed
requirement of KYC and there is no
trace of any criminal act.
In Pakistan’s circumstances, this is
a big task as now after 2017 all transac-
tions which are ‘benami’ in character
represent an act done against the spe-
cific provision of law. In case if it is
assumed that a substantial part of the
‘deposit base’ is benami then there
would have to be a ‘transition’ for the
benami accounts in the system prior to
the introduction of effective prohibi-
tion under the law. This is a domestic
problem issue only as prohibition of
‘benami’ law is restricted to India and
Pakistan where such system was
allowed to prevail in the past on
account of traditions duly endorsed by
legal judgements.
There is no empirical evidence as to
the size of benami accounts out of total
deposit base of Pakistani banking sys-
tem however there are indications,
based on prevalent economic transac-
tions, that number is sufficiently large.
Pakistani banking industry and its reg-
ulatory framework is faced with an
uphill task of smooth transition of
implementation of prohibition of
benami transactions for bank deposits.
The third disruption relates to pres-
ent ‘Money Laundering Laws’ in
Pakistan. The money laundering law of
Pakistan as enforced in Pakistan since
2010 in author’s view has a wider than
required definition of the term ‘Money
Laundering’. Under the present law,
proceeds of crime are treated as ‘money
laundering’. As per generally accepted
correct practice proceed of crime that
is layered or placed in the system in a
manner that camouflages original
criminal nature is ‘money laundering’.
In fact in money laundering processes
law of 2010 considers all proceeds of
predicate crimes listed in 2010 law as
money laundering.
The correction of law that is required
for the same is a subject to be handled
by legislature however the banking
sector is required to comply with the
law, as it stands at present, before
desired amendment. The authentica-
tion or certification to the effect that
all AML provisions have been com-
plied in the present circumstances is
virtually an impossible task. This issue
is further aggravated on account of the
fact that under the present AML laws
‘tax evasion’ is also a predicate crime.
The last disruption is a result of a
prevalence of connivance and fraud that
is occurring whilst conducting KYC of
the customer. There are many reported
instances where it has been discovered
that substantial banking transactions
are taking place in the accounts of the
persons where the identity of the person
is ‘fake’. This is different from ‘benami’
accounts for the reason that in the case
of ‘benami’ account there is a primary
presumption that ‘benamidar’ is aware
of transaction being undertaken. In
these cases, accounts are being oper-
ated in the name of ‘fake’ persons. This
can only happen with the connivance of
the bank’s staff.
The regulators are taking adequate
remedies to prevent this abuse with the
help of national personal data base
organisation (NADRA). However as
discussed earlier the said question can-
not arise ab-intio unless there is a con-
nivance of the staff. It does not reflect
any error in the regulatory framework.
Notwithstanding the same, this disrup-
tion requires re-examination of the
responsibilities and liabilities of the
‘persons’ (employees) engaged in bank-
ing services. In some countries, special
penal provisions, apply for any alleged
connivance, though not resulting in any
personal benefit, if that disturbs or dis-
torts the regulatory framework espe-
cially for banking and other institution
of public interest. Same would have to
be incorporated in Pakistan.
In summary, it can be stated that
banking industry in Pakistan will face
many challenges for certain fundamen-
tal disruptions in the system which have
occurred during the period. A difficult
time is ahead. Nevertheless, there is sil-
ver lining in the whole process.
There are positive effects of such
disruptions. In future world, bank-
ing, fiscal and corporate frameworks
cannot operate in isolation. There is
an urgent need to institute a compre-
hensive framework for all financial
matters covering banking, fiscal and
corporate affairs and an all empow-
ering regulatory body be instituted
for the same.
This is an inevitable step for future.
Banking will not be same in Pakistan
if we take into account these disrup-
tions. A new paradigm is appearing
that will be better for the country. 
2 DAWN FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT SUPPLEMENT
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T
HE Financial Services Only then can they possibly ensure that the document
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He is one of the pioneers of microf-
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Tell about NRSP microfinance bank.
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cies will continue to play a substantial role in improv- last fiscal year. The progress so far in FY19 also In parallel to developing a thriving microfinance The achievements of financial institutions, mak-

Messages ing financial inclusion and socio-economic develop-

Continued from Page 1
Tariq Bajwa
expenditures and has partially reversed tax relief ini-
tiatives that were announced in the FY19 budget. As
things stand, this homegrown stabilization phase is
likely to continue for some time. Encouragingly, the
incumbent government seems fully geared towards
addressing these macroeconomic challenges and
ensuring higher growth and employment opportuni-
ties. We are confident that the economy will return to
its desired path of macroeconomic stability and con-
tinue on a high growth trajectory.
In this scenario, our banking industry has to play
an effective role with tantamount contribution.
When it comes to the provision of financial services to
SMEs, agriculture and housing sectors, the role of
banks become even more important since growth in
these sectors is essential to promote large-scale
employment generation. In addition, financial inclu-
sion of the unbanked and disadvantaged segments
through digital finance and Islamic financial ser-
vices carries a significant weight when it comes to
improving livelihoods via income generating oppor-
tunities. Moreover, tailored financial services can
also play an important part to advance women’s
empowerment in the country. With the launch of the
National Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2015, which
aims to enhance formal financial access to 50 percent
of the adult population by 2020, a number of new pol-
icies and programs have been initiated. These poli-
ment of the nation.
It is pertinent to mention here that the State Bank
is not only monitoring the industry’s performance in
fulfilling the financing needs of various sectors, but
is also taking a very proactive role in improving the
capacity of the banks and making their service deliv-
ery towards end users more efficient. These initia-
tives include development of new schemes and poli-
cies; holding of stakeholders/client awareness ses-
sions across the country; and provision of trainings/
certifications for bankers. I believe these measures
are necessary to enable banks in meeting the credit
requirements of these sectors more effectively.
Here I would like to highlight the policy on
Promotion of SME Finance launched by SBP in last
December, which aims to enhance SMEs access to
finance. Furthermore, a rigorous policy dissemina-
tion exercise was also completed to ensure that the
consumers are also aware of such policies. Let me
share that the State Bank is also keeping a close coor-
dination with federal and provincial governments,
and with the Chambers of Commerce & SME
Associations for timely implementation of initiatives
identified under the policy. Now turning to agri.
credit, due to collective efforts of the industry the
agri. credit disbursements have been consistently
increasing during the last several years. The road to
development of a dynamic, vibrant and sustainable
agri financing sector has been long and uphill.
However, I am happy to share that the results of SBP’s
multi-pronged approach to agri financing have been
encouraging! Agri-credit disbursement, which stood
at a modest Rs 294 Billion in FY12, has seen a cumu-
lative growth of 230% of to reach Rs 973 Billion in the
appears promising as disbursements for the first
quarter stand at Rs 212 billion compared to Rs 156
billion disbursed in the corresponding period of last
year- so an increase of 36% from last year.
However, I would like to emphasize that we need to
accelerate it further, and aim for a qualitative shift in
agricultural financing by adopting innovative tech-
niques for provision of easy and swift credit to small
farmers, especially in underserved regions. I’m par-
ticularly talking about those 5.4 million marginal-
ized landholders who have holding of total land of
only up to 5 acres. In addition, there are about 2.1
million farmers with land holdings of more than 5
acres and less than 12.5 acres. These segments of the
agri financing market have largely been excluded
from the recent increase in agri financing and should
be the main target of the future plans for the sector.
Another area that warrants more attention by all
of us is green banking. State Bank considers green
banking as a paradigm shift from traditional bank-
ing, providing necessary tools and techniques to lev-
erage the banking channels for promotion of resource
efficiency and environmental protection for an equi-
table and sustainable development of the economy.
This initiative has culminated in the issuance of
Green Banking Guidelines and a conducive regula-
tory landscape to enable environmentally conscious
banking on a large scale.
Furthermore, SBP has remained cognizant of faith-
based financial inclusion and hence supported the
vibrant Islamic Finance industry to prosper. In this
regard, significant growth of Islamic Banking indus-
try, owing to conducive regulatory environment pro-
vided by SBP, is helping extend Shariah compliant
solutions to faith-sensitive segments of the society.
banking sector, State Bank has also encouraged the
use of alternate delivery channels such as branchless
banking, which have the potential to play a signifi-
cant role in increasing financial inclusion through
enhanced outreach. We believe that a basic transac-
tion account such as an m-wallet is an essential finan-
cial service in its own right and can serve as a gate-
way to other financial services that can prove to be a
pathway out of poverty.
In this regard, I recognize that the performance of
the banking industry is commendable and the contri-
bution of branchless banking sector for financial
inclusion deserves special mention. Let me share that
the Branchless Banking channel in Pakistan has
shown immense growth during recent years. With the
enabling regulatory environment created by State
Bank, and the active participation of industry players,
the digital financial ecosystem in the country is evolv-
ing to expand its outreach across the country.
Here, I would also like to refer to a broader objec-
tive that SBP is pursuing under its current strategic
plan called “Vision 2020”, and which is likely to con-
tribute in all spheres of the economy, including bank-
ing. This is working towards enhancing the scope of
forward looking conduct of monetary policy. In this
regard, adoption of Flexible Inflation Targeting
regime will be an important milestone.
A number of central banks across the globe with
rule-based inflation targeting regimes are opting for
some flexibility after witnessing lower than desired
inflation and a decline in economic activity during
the global financial crisis. In this regard, SBP is going
to engage with the Government to announce the
medium term inflation target that is consistent with
economic potential of the Pakistan economy.
ing such contributions in Pakistan should be fully
acknowledged and events like the Pakistan Banking
Awards serve an important purpose for recognizing
the banks’ distinguished performance in various
areas. It is highly commendable that the Institute of
Bankers Pakistan, in partnership with DAWN Media
Group and A.F. Ferguson & Co, are continuing to cel-
ebrate successes in the banking industry by holding
the 3rd consecutive Annual Pakistan Banking
Awards today. I applaud the efforts of these organiz-
ers and congratulate them for their collaboration and
efforts to ensure that these Awards become a regular
event for years to come.
We all must be grateful to the honorable members of
the jury who are well-known amongst the financial
community and indeed are an institution in themselves
– to have taken on the responsibility to ensure that the
best Banks stand out, while maintaining transparency
and confidentiality, and ensuring that all Awards are
given exclusively on merit. I believe every Bank, which
has participated, is indeed a winner as I truly acknowl-
edge and appreciate your efforts and contribution in
improving financial inclusion in the country.
Farooq Shaikh
to extend my profound gratitude to the jury, compris-
ing prominent professionals, who have contributed
whole-heartedly in keeping the evaluation process
merit-based. I would like to thank our partners, The
DAWN Media Group and A.F. Ferguson & Co. for col-
laborating with us every year. I am also grateful to
the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan for his advice
and patronage in promoting the Pakistan Banking
Awards. In advance, I extend my congratulations to
the winners. May the best banks win. 
ADVERTISEMENT SUPPLEMENT DAWN FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2018 3

NBP determined to achieve high level strategic goals

The following is an interview
with Mr. Tariq Jamali,
President/CEO, National Bank
of Pakistan.
What methods of operation
are you undertaking at NBP
that open new growth oppor-
tunities?
NBP has sharpened its
focus on digitisation for
expansion of its business.
This is in line with the pre-
vailing trend in banking
industry which is onboard the trajectory of continu-
ous technological advancement as witnessed through
the increasing deployment of alternate delivery
channels and the corresponding volume of e-banking
transactions.
E-banking transactions have been continuously
posting higher growth, relative to paper-based trans-
actions, during the last few years. Banks have become
very selective in opening of new branches and instead
prefer expansion of the alternate delivery channels to
promote e-banking, fi nancial inclusion; low transac-
tions cost and achieve competitive advantage. These
channels are alternatives for faster delivery of bank-
ing services to a wide range of customers.
One of the major contributors in growth for e-bank-
ing in recent times is the increased usage of mobile
and internet banking for conducting banking
transactions.
Through launch of digital products and services,
the bank is aiming to realise the growth opportunities
in its business and customer base.
What are the biggest challenges you face as the CEO
and how did you navigate a path through them?
To increase its profitability as well as its market
share in relation to its competitors, NBP faces chal-
lenges in increasing its share in the industry, particu-
larly in areas where business concentration is needed.
Higher profitability has to come out of increased cus-
tomer relationships and through provision of extended
product suite.
Due to its expanded operations and being in the
public sector, pace of realising benefits from the initi-
atives is at times very slow, resultantly diluting its
impact.
Besides, due to recent regulatory instruction NBP’s
captive government business is also under threat and
is prone to diversion to competition. However, neces-
sary measures have already been taken by NBP to
address the above issues.
Technology is changing in the blink of an eye and
banks to remain competitive, are heavily investing in
their information technology infrastructure, NBP,
cognizant of the situation, is also onboard a similar
trajectory.
Where do you see NBP in the next five years?
NBP - High Level Strategic Goals (2018 – 2022)
A. Maintain Leadership position
• Increase market share across various business
segments.
• Organic as well as strategic expansion locally and
international
• Product development and leveraging network
• Capitalise on our strengths to compete with the
industry
• Concentration on Islamic, Retail, agriculture and
SME segments
B. Improve delivery channels and customer services
• Alternate delivery channels expansion for branch
less banking
• Improving physical appearance of the facilities
• Benchmarking for best customer service stand-
ards
C. Adopting best practices and modern day banking
• Strategic realignment of various functions
• Business process reengineering
• Change management
• Technology updation and Automation
• Out of the box solutions
D. Focus on improving Asset quality
• Restructuring and rescheduling for revival of sick
units
• Improvement in overall portfolio risk rating
• Strengthen CAD function
• Proactive approach, timely renewals and monitor-
ing of watch list
• Automated credit scoring for structured products
• Improve quality of borrowers and collateral
E. Market penetration for greater financial inclu-
sion
• Capitalise on our rural coverage
• Products designed for low income groups, rural
class and women
• Education and Awareness
• Focused promotion and CSR initiatives for com-
munity uplift
F. Strengthen compliance and controls
• Zero tolerance for frauds and forgeries
• Adopting technology to strengthen controls
• Training for new guidelines and regulations
• Investing in monitoring mechanism
G. Maximise value for shareholders
• To maintain healthy and sustainable payout ratio
• To target growth both in terms of size and profita-
bility
• To focus on continuous improvement in the ROA
and ROE of the bank
H. Partnering Economic development in the coun-
try
• To continue support for fi nancing large infrastruc-
ture projects in the country.
• To capitalise on the opportunities offered by
CPEC
• To improve further the government treasury busi-
ness through automation
• To use network for government initiatives for cash
collection and disbursement
• To continue to represent central bank for treasury
business
I. Investment in our people
• Reward for performance culture
• Training and development
• Competitive pay structure
• Transparency in recruitment and promotions
• Succession planning
When it comes to the banking industry of Pakistan,
what are you most proud of?
There are various factors which have contributed to
the present day strong banking industry of Pakistan.
One of the most relevant and prominent features of the
industry is the role of Central Bank which has been
utmost conducive for growth of the banking industry.
Through prudent measures, we have been able to deter
the impact of fi nancial fall-out and credit crunch in
recent times. The efforts related to fi nancial inclusion
of underprivileged segment of the society is also highly
appreciable for which central bank as well as other
banks are also playing their part. The initiative in this
regard is largely dependent on launch of branchless
banking platform and contribution by fi n-tech fi rms for
furnishing banking services in far-flung areas. 

Z International preparing the individuals for a better tomorrow

The following is an interview with Mr.
Zeeshan Altaf Lohya, President, Z International
School. Being a visionary educationist and a suc-
cessful entrepreneur having the urge of impart-
ing quality education, Mr Lohya felt the need of
having academic institutions with sound aca-
demic and excellent co-curricular facilities. The
school is working to empower the students as
confident personalities whether it is Academics,
Public Speaking, Performing Arts, Personality
Development or sports like Swimming, Cricket,
Basketball, Futsal and Football, these all are
initiated to engage the children in conceptual as
well as physical education. Now we will ask
about the other new innovations that Mr. Lohya
has made in the field of education in Pakistan.
How could the pre-primary level benefit from
technology?
Z International School has taken an initia-
tive to build Pakistan’s first Pre-Junior
Innovative Digital Campus where students
can do abstract learning, by using technology
as a source of education and can focus on pro-
ject-based learning.
How do you gauge the personal development
of students?
The school is working on an educational
system that focuses on character building,
personality enhancement and preparing the
individuals for their life ahead. Z
International is the institute claiming to nur-
ture the personality of every student. We
have introduced meditation and a Pers-
onality Development (PD) Programme to
develop self-esteem, positive identity and to
give self-awareness individually.
You have mentioned the word ‘meditation’,
what is it and how it works?
Meditation is a healthy practice that
relieves academic stress and helps students to
keep mind and body relaxed.
The programme has a very positive impact
on students as we observe significant improve-
ment in their health and academic perfor-
mance.
We are told that you have a bookless environ-
ment at primary level, how does it work?
Let me tell you that on Debate.org, a discus-
sion was held where 62 per cent people voted
“yes” for the bookless environment. As the
school has always emphasised on enabling
students to have a conceptual study, we have
introduced a bookless environment with non-
core subjects and our research department
has developed the manuals. This initiative
helps us to enhance the learning abilities of
students.
You announced your newly established NGO
“Own Pakistan” in your previous interview,
how is it serving the community?
We are trying to help the society in all pos-
sible way. The interesting part is that it has an
open-door policy for less privileged class in
Karachi. We have started an evening pro-
gramme in the same school infrastructure
which helps the slum kids to enlighten their
lives with quality education. It embraces
them with open arms and becomes a ladder by
providing them completely free education,
extra-curricular activities and encourages
them to play an active part in the society. The
plantation campaign and CSR activities are
yet another initiatives, we have started
Plantation Campaign in Karachi and in differ-
ent areas of Sindh. We travelled all the way to
Dadu District in Summers 2018, distributed
100 ration boxes and planted 100+ trees there
for the environmental advantages.
What would be your message for new genera-
tion of this country?
Pakistan is my identity and I always want to
see it flourishing. For that, we need to spread what to think. Reflecting on Quaid’s teaching,
the awareness of quality in the field of educa- I have developed a motto for all, “Educate
tion and teach people, how to think and not Pakistan, Build Pakistan”. 
Message
I feel pleasure in sharing my views on
the occasion of the 3rd Pakistan
Banking Awards 2018. The reason for
supporting the Pakistan Banking Award
is our high appreciation for this impor-
tant national sector playing its signifi-
cant role in banking education.
We admire all those banks that sup-
port educational institutions and stu-
dents, your organisations’ aim to promote
a continuous ladder of lifelong learning,
extending from playgroup till higher
education.
We congratulate the DAWN Media
Group for holding the 3rd Pakistan Mr. Zeeshan Altaf Lohya
Banking Awards in collaboration with Founder and President,
Institute of Bankers Pakistan and A. F. Z International School
Ferguson & Co. We are all working with
one goal and one mindset to convert the dreams of the founder of the nation into reality. 