24/04/2026
The 6th Global Forum on Islamic Economics, Finance and Banking (IEFB 2026), organized by the Khurshid Ahmad Institute of Islamic Economics and Finance (KAIIEF) at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, concluded successfully after two days of intensive academic dialogue, policy discussions, and global collaboration.
Held on April 17–18, 2026, under the theme “Transitioning from Conventional to Islamic Banks: Best Global Practices and the Way Forward in Pakistan.” The forum brought together leading scholars, policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers from across the world.
**Research Contributions and Tracks**
A total of **70"* research papers were presented across eight specialized academic tracks, reflecting the growing depth and diversity of Islamic finance research globally. The tracks detail is as follow:
• Regulatory & Banking Framework
• Strategic & Regulatory Dimension
• Financial & Operational Transformation
• Technological & Innovation Perspective
• Economic & Social Implications
• Academic & Research Insights
• Islamic Social Finance & Maqasid al-Shariah
• Shariah Governance & Compliance
These presentations covered critical themes such as Islamic digital banking, fintech innovations, Shariah governance, financial inclusion, sustainability, and macroeconomic impacts of a riba-free financial system.
**Key Highlights**
The forum featured High-level panel discussions on regulatory frameworks, financial transformation, and socioeconomic impacts
**Prof. Khurshid Ahmad** Memorial Session honoring his intellectual legacy
• Specialized workshops on **Shariah Audit in the Digital Age** and **Islamic Fintech Masterclass**
Distinguished speakers from countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Canada, the UK, Bosnia, and the UAE contributed to the dialogue, reinforcing the global relevance of Islamic finance.
**Inagural Session**
The inaugural session was the most important segment of the program. Prime Minister of Malaysia H.E. Mr. **Anwar Ibrahim** recorded message was played in it which caters the attraction of audience. Founder UMT **Dr. Hasan Murad** Speech to 1st Global Forum also played in it. **Sardar Muhammad Yousaf** Federal Minister for Religious Affairs the chief guest of this event. Other keynote speakers were **Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi** Executive Director Islamic Banking SBP, **Mr. Zaki Ejaz** Chairman FPCCI. **Mr. Imtiaz Haider** Commissioner SECP. President UMT **Mr. Ibrahim Hasan Murad** concluded the session with her speech. After it **Mr. Qanit Khalil Ullah** Author of Book “Breaking the Trap of Debt, Inflation, Interest and Poverty” Presented his book to Mr. Ibrahim Murad & Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.
**International Intellectuals Participation**
**In Person**
Prof. Dr. **Zafar Kayani** ,Professor of Economics, Trent University Canada.
Dr. **Umer Barki** ,Professor, South-East University, Norway
Prof. Dr. **Norma Md Saad** ,Director Centre for Islamic Economics, International Islamic University, Malaysia
Dr. **Shahran Kasim**, International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), USA
Prof. Dr. **Khairunnisa Musari** , Senior Specialist for Islamic Finance of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia
Prof. Dr. **Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad**, Deputy Vice Chancellor, International Open University, Gambia
**Online**
Prof. **Mehmet Bulut**, Advisor to President Turkiye Recep Tayeb Erdogan
Prof. Dr. **Aslam Haneef**, Deputy Vice Chancellor IIUM
**Omar Mustafa Ansari** Secretary General AAOIFI
Prof. Dr. **Kabir Hasan*, New Orleans University USA
Prof. Dr. **Mehmet Asutay**, Director Durham Center of Islamic Finance UK
Prof. Dr. **Nasim Shirazi** HKBU Qatar
**Institute of Policy Studied** Islamabad, **AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics"* & **Trent University** Canada Stalls were also glorifies this event.
**Strategic Importance**
The forum emphasized practical pathways for transitioning from conventional to Islamic banking systems, aligning with global calls for ethical, inclusive, and resilient financial models. Discussions also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position in leading this transformation.
**Conclusion**
IEFB 2026 successfully served as a global platform for advancing research, strengthening international collaboration, and shaping policy discourse in Islamic economics and finance. The strong participation and high-quality research presentations underscore the increasing momentum toward a more equitable and Shariah-compliant financial system worldwide.
