The remarkable resiliance of Pakistan's banks

Street life: the streets of Rawalpindi are busy but Pakistan's banks are making only steady progress. KASB is one of the country's smaller banksStreet life: the streets of Rawalpindi are busy but Pakistan's banks are making only steady progress. KASB is one of the country's smaller banks

Despite an extremely challenging fiscal, political and security environment, Pakistan's banks have remained remarkably resilient. But high interest rates, low economic activity and a bruised consumer portfolio continue to suppress loan growth. Writer Michelle Price

Bold governor strives for new frontiers

Shamsad Akhtar, State Bank of Pakistan

Shamsad Akhtar, governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, has an ambitious vision for the bank to have a greater say in economic policy, she tells Karina Robinson.