KARACHI: To mark 70 years of the State Bank of Pakistan, governors of past and present discussed the SBP’s vision for 2020 and 2030 on Sunday afternoon.

With Dr Ishrat Hussain (1999-2005) on one end and Ashraf Mahmood Wathra (2014-17) on the other — the auditorium of the bank’s museum, art gallery and archives department, was buzzing with plans and ideas for its 2030 vision.

By 2030, according to the central bank’s current governor Tariq Bajwa, the SBP should be a tech-based organisation.

Exhibition held to mark the bank’s 70 years

Speaking at the event, Mr Bajwa, who was also the chief guest, said that in 12 years the central bank and banking sector should be willing and able to absorb new technology.

“I will save my notes from today and hope that on July 1, 2030, we have a similar event so we can see what we have achieved and what we have to do,” he said.

Dr Shamshad Akhtar, who led the bank from 2005-09, also discussed the importance of green banking.

Yaseen Anwar, who was governor from 2011-14, also spoke at the event.

The speakers also discussed monetary and fiscal coordination, impact of inflation, government policies and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The event was attended by several foreign dignitaries, bankers, economists, politicians including Mirza Ikhtiar Baig of the PPP, author H. M. Naqvi with banker and entrepreneur Nadeem Hussain.

Exhibition

An exhibition to celebrate the bank’s 70 years was also held at the museum, the State Bank of India building, with original documents, photographs and even the country’s first ATM machine from 1988.

According to a visitor who had brought her mother and nieces, the exhibition was fantastic. “It is very interesting. We love all historical things and this is also very educational,” she said as her family wandered off to look at currency notes.

Chairperson of the FPCCI Standing Committee on Human Rights Farzana Burney appreciated the efforts made by the director of the SBP museum and art gallery department Dr Asma Ibrahim.

She added that the exhibition was extremely informative and a must see for everyone.

Rafiq Kasabati, an avid collector, said he had brought a collection of old currency notes of the state bank.

“I am always amazed to be here. To see some of my collection on these walls,” he said, adding that it was an honour to share his collection with the museum.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Kasabati said that he was still collecting various currencies and had just finished his Saudi collection.

Schoolchildren were also invited to take part in a currency drawing and design competition.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2018