Freedom is the right of every man and independence is the right of people. But the history tells us that neither can be achieved easily. Pakistan was achieved after a glorious revolution. Today we are lucky that we live and breathe freely in this beautiful homeland ‘Pakistan.’
NBP since its inception has played a pivotal role in the development of the country. A bank that was primarily established for jute financing so as to bring the country out of woods is now having a prominent role in every sector of the economy. Serving the nation with more than 1500 branches, NBP is catering to every aspect of banking including but not limited to Islamic Banking, Corporate Banking, Trade Finance, Agriculture, SME & Retail, treasury and Home Remittances. We proudly discharge our responsibility of functioning as government treasury and have the largest rural network in the entire banking industry.
Being the Nations Bank we have always taken a lead role in government initiated lending and goodwill programs. Our role in PM Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and the harmony and good-will initiative of Kartarpur Corridor are insignias of our claim.
Cognizant of the fact that the country is relatively deficient of foreign exchange, NBP is assuming a lead role in promoting remittances through legal channels. We have collaborated with Pakistan Post which created the largest remittance payment network in Pakistan with over 2000 payment location. Besides, customized products in collaboration with Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment have been launched to provide banking facilities to intending emigrant workers. Resultantly our market share in remittance business along with remittances volume has considerably increased during the last 02 years.
It is a known fact that a significant population of Pakistan remain below the poverty line and SMEs although being the backbone of the economy are relatively apart from the formal sector. GoP is making all out efforts to address these economic challenges and NBP is committed to deliver on the National Agenda of Inclusive Development.
Our recently revised Vision & Mission aspires for NBP to become the nation’s leading bank, enabling sustainable growth and inclusive devolvement. Creating a dedicated Inclusive Development Group reflects upon our commitment towards the national agenda. We proudly state that we have one of the largest portfolios of agriculture loans in the entire banking industry and are recognized by IBP as “Best Agriculture Bank in Pakistan”. Besides, our contribution in consumer financing especially personal loans is largest in the industry and we are confident that no other bank will be able to surpass us in the near future. On the other side of the spectrum we were also recognized by Asian Banking & Finance Magazine as Corporate client initiative of the year-Pakistan and Innovative deal of the year 2020-Pakistan.
Positive correlation of economic prosperity with financial inclusion is an established fact and digitization plays a critical role in complimenting this correlation. NBP has also embarked upon the digitization trajectory and is offering wide range of digital products and services to its customers including collection of taxes through our digital channels.
The global regulatory environment poses lot of challenges to the banking sector and the Pakistan economy in general. NBP is playing its role in letter and spirit to meet certain FATF compliance requirements through following measure:
Improved Local and Global regulatory compliance
Strengthen risk management, AML / KYC and controls practices while capitalizing on technology
It’s quite concerning to learn how the world has changed in just few months, with COVID-19 now impacting every aspect of our lives. COVID-19 has taken the world into a state of emergency. The economy is losing its balance and once solid entrepreneurs and companies are forced for bankruptcies. Banks are now the safety net that will have to catch the economy in free fall. Relaxations provided by regulator to support the economy, banking sectors and preventing business to opt for laying – off its workers is really commendable. NBP has also actively participated in pursuance of this goal. After all, the primary goal is to get the majority through this extreme situation and then return to a normal state.
I really appreciate the way our frontline staff has performed in these difficult times. This undoubtedly reflects their commitment and devotion in discharging their responsibilities. I pay tribute to all those who have survived and homage to those who lost their lives in the line of duty:
I envision streamlining NBP with clear goals including but not limited to
1. Continue performing its catalyst role for the economy
2. Demonstrate robust remedial actions against issues identified by SBP
3. Ensure credit risk management practices are upgraded
4. Deliver against key development finance objectives
5. Achieve material progress against the major legal challenges
6. Zero tolerance for fraud instances
7. Upgrade tech infrastructure
8. Stop bleeding of international franchise
9. Move the needle visibly forward on customer experience
10. Catch up and then leapfrog market on digital product offerings
On this note, I thank you all for participating in this year’s Jashn-e-Azaadi Event. Wish you success and prosperity in future endeavors.
Pakistan Zindabad!
