It gives me great pleasure to extend my felicitations on the 60th anniversary of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). After carving out an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent, it was felt necessary to continue on the path of freedom.
Accordingly, on 1st July 1948, Pakistan joined the community of economically free nations when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah inaugurated the central bank of the new state. From that momentous day, the State Bank has come a long way. In the sixty years of its life, it has contributed to the economic development of the country, particularly fostering macroeconomic stability and with respect to expansion of financial services to the people of Pakistan.
An important function of the SBP is that it keeps a vigilant eye on overall economy and renders valuable advice to the government on key policy matters. Moreover, it publishes important and accurate annual and quarterly reports on the state of the ongoing economic development.
Today, despite myriad challenges, State Bank of Pakistan is on a solid grounds. Successes of our central bank are a testimony to the fact that Pakistan is a nation of hardworking, intelligent and patriotic people who have the power and will to create a state institution worthy of its name.
Much has been achieved but a lot of more ground needs to be covered if we are to attain our rightful place in the comity of nations. I am confident that the State Bank of Pakistan will capitalise on the successes already achieved and continue to work towards the objective of fostering economic strength and stability in our beloved homeland. May Allah Almighty Be with us in our endeavours, Ameen!