KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Deputy Governor (DG) Jameel Ahmad lauded the impact of improved security conditions on the country’s economic activities. The SBP DG attributed the uplift in economic activities to Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the on-going Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad While appreciating the reviving economic activities in the country, Ahmad remarked, “A marked turnaround in retail sales has been observed in metropolises, with positive readings in investor and consumer confidence surveys”. Ahmad was addressing a delegation of National Security and War Course 2017, led by Air Commodore Aamir Bashir, which visited the SBP. The delegation consisted of more than 200 officers including Pakistan Armed Forces officers, Grade 20 CSS officers and senior military officers from friendly countries. SBP DG Ahmad stated that inland study tour of SBP would offer them an insight into the working of Pakistan’s central bank and understanding of monetary policy issues. The keynote address of the DG traversed many themes. He explained that being the central bank of a developing country, the SBP had also assigned for itself an important developmental role. Given the socio-economic indicators of the country, coupled with low level of financial inclusion, SBP had been aggressively promoting financing to under-served sectors of the economy such as farmers; micro, small and medium enterprises; and faith-sensitive clients who do not intend to bank with conventional institutions, he said. SBP Economic Policy Review Department Director Omar Farooq Saqib delivered a detailed presentation on SBP’s functions and monetary policy. He outlined the functions of the SBP; monetary policy; current economic conditions and policy challenges. He also answered the audience’s questions. Published in Daily Times, October 21st 2017.