KARACHI: February 14, 2025 — The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has cleared the Fit & Proper Test (FPT) for Zia Ijaz to assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Askari Bank Limited (AKBL).
The development was disclosed in a notice issued by AKBL to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.
“In continuation of our letter dated January 24, 2025, it is hereby informed that the State Bank of Pakistan has granted Fit and Proper Test (FPT) clearance to Zia Ijaz, as President & CEO of Askari Bank Limited,” the notice stated.
Ijaz is set to take charge of his new role effective Monday, February 17, 2025.
Board Approval & Extensive Experience
Last month, the Board of Directors (BoD) of AKBL appointed Ijaz as President and CEO for a three-year term. His appointment was contingent upon the clearance of his FPT from the central bank and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Ijaz brings over 30 years of diversified banking experience. Before entering the banking sector, he was associated with Ford Rhodes Sidat Hyder & Co., a member of Ernst & Young.
Before joining Askari Bank, Ijaz served as Deputy CEO of UBL Limited, where he also led the Branch Banking and International Business Groups. Additionally, he worked at Allied Bank Limited (ABL) for over 12 years, holding key leadership positions including Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Group Chief of Commercial & Retail Banking, and Group Chief of Operations.
About Askari Bank Limited
Incorporated as a public limited company in Pakistan in 1991, Askari Bank Limited operates as a subsidiary of Fauji Foundation. The bank offers a range of financial services, including conventional, corporate, Islamic, consumer, and agricultural banking. It has an extensive network of 560 branches and sub-branches across Pakistan.
