SBP Network Upgrade State Bank Deploys Cisco-Powered Banking Infrastructure in Pakistan

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has successfully deployed a new core banking network and software-defined data centre in partnership with US technology company Cisco Systems.

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker joined SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and senior Cisco Pakistan executives at the central bank’s head office in Karachi on Friday to mark the project’s completion.

According to a press release, the multimillion-dollar project represents a major step towards modernising Pakistan’s critical financial infrastructure.

Cisco Project Aims to Strengthen Financial Infrastructure

The project has established a secure and resilient software-defined data centre architecture designed to improve the central bank’s technology infrastructure.

The upgraded system aims to strengthen data protection, improve operational flexibility and ensure reliable digital banking services across Pakistan.

The infrastructure is also expected to support the continuity of central banking operations and help safeguard the systems underpinning the country’s financial stability.

US Highlights Technology and Commercial Partnership

Speaking at the deployment ceremony, Natalie Baker highlighted the importance of secure and trusted technology in modern financial systems.

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She described the State Bank’s infrastructure as a national asset that supports economic stability and public confidence.

Baker said the SBP’s decision to work with an American technology company reflected its focus on quality, security and long-term reliability.

She also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to its commercial relationship with Pakistan, saying Washington remained ready to connect Pakistani institutions with American technological innovation.

SBP and Cisco Praise Joint Engineering Effort

SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and Cisco Pakistan Country General Manager Kashif Ul-Haque praised the technical collaboration behind the project.

According to the press release, teams completed a complex implementation and migration process while maintaining uninterrupted central banking operations.

The successful transition marked an important milestone in upgrading the central bank’s network and data centre capabilities.

Project Highlights US-Pakistan Technology Cooperation

The deployment also reflects wider efforts to strengthen commercial and technological cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

The US government has emphasised private-sector collaboration, secure digital infrastructure and transparent technology partnerships as areas of bilateral engagement.

For Pakistan, modernising critical financial systems remains important as digital banking expands and financial institutions increasingly depend on secure, resilient technology networks.