Banking Media Relations: PBA and Karachi Press Club Agree to Strengthen Ties

KARACHI: The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) and the Karachi Press Club (KPC) have agreed to strengthen institutional ties and promote greater awareness of the banking sector’s contribution to Pakistan’s economy through continued interaction and knowledge-sharing.

The understanding was reached during a special reception hosted by KPC for a PBA delegation led by its Chairman, Zafar Masud. The gathering brought together representatives of the banking industry and journalist community to exchange views and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

The event was attended by KPC Secretary Aslam Khan, former Secretary Muhammad Rizwan Bhatti, former Treasurer and Council of Economic and Energy Journalists President Raja Kamran, Secretary Kashif Munir, and members of the journalist community.

During the reception, Aslam Khan briefed the delegation on the club’s activities, including professional training programmes, healthcare and educational facilities, and recreational opportunities for its members.

Addressing the gathering at the Athar Ali Hashmi Terrace, Zafar Masud described his visit as a homecoming, recalling his family’s longstanding association with journalism.

He said he had grown up visiting the Karachi Press Club with his late maternal grandfather and uncle, adding that most members of his family were associated with journalism. He described himself as a banker second and a member of the journalist community first.

Highlighting the importance of stronger ties between financial institutions and the media, Masud said both sectors had an important role in shaping informed public discourse. He added that greater engagement could help bridge information gaps, improve mutual understanding and encourage constructive discussions on issues of national importance.

PBA Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General Muneer Kamal acknowledged the Karachi Press Club’s longstanding contribution to journalism and its role as a platform for independent thought, professional exchange and public debate.

He said meaningful engagement with journalists provided an opportunity for the banking industry to share its perspectives while gaining insights into public concerns and expectations.

Muneer Kamal also commended the KPC leadership for preserving the club’s legacy and maintaining its historic premises.