ISLAMABAD: The federal government has officially appointed Imran Sarwar as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP).
The Finance Division issued the notification on September 3, confirming Sarwar’s three-year appointment with immediate effect.
The notification will appear in Part-III of the Official Gazette of Pakistan, formally confirming the appointment.
The government made the decision under Section 11(3)(a) of the Banks (Nationalization) Act, 1974.
The appointment follows a Cabinet Division memo issued Tuesday that confirmed the cabinet had selected an individual.
However, the memo did not disclose the appointee’s identity pending formal notification.
## Sarwar Brings Extensive Banking Experience
Sarwar joins NBP from United Bank Limited, where he served as Group Executive for Risk and Credit Policy and Chief Risk Officer.
He brings more than 27 years of banking, leadership and risk management experience across Pakistan, the UAE, the UK and Australia.
Before joining UBL, Sarwar held several senior positions at Standard Chartered Bank.
His most recent role there was Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking for the UAE.
Sarwar has also served on the boards of Khushhali Microfinance Bank and Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company.
He holds a business and accounting degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and an LLB from the University of Punjab.
## Appointment Follows Competitive Selection Process
The Finance Division began accepting applications for NBP’s top position in June after Rehmat Ali Hasnie completed his final extension.
NBP Chief Financial Officer Abdul Wahid Sethi subsequently assumed acting charge of the bank.
A selection panel chaired by the finance minister interviewed nine candidates in August.
Sarwar emerged ahead of prominent contenders, including Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud and Bank of Khyber CEO Hassan Raza.
Markets will now closely monitor Sarwar’s plans for NBP’s loan portfolio, governance reforms and broader institutional strategy.
