Dr. Ehab M. Elshamy has a rich background in Islamic Finance and Banking; he has been the CEO of American International Theism University (AITU) since 2006. Before this, he served at Fidelity and Trust Bank from November 2003 to September 2005 as Vice President; at Cardinal Bank Potomac as Vice President from September 1999 to September 2001; as Credit Officer at National Cooperative Bank from June 1998 to August 1999; and at Mid Bank Nile Cairo as Loan Accountant from 1995 to 1998. Dr Ehab is the first Muslim to serve on the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six principal organs of the United Nations System. He earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Apollos University, USA, in 2013, an MBA from the same university in 2008, and diplomas in Consumer Lending and Commercial Lending from the American Institute of Banking, USA. He is a member of OSAC, United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security. He addressed a Seminar on “ Islamic Banking and Finance” at a hotel, which was organized by “ Islamic Fiqh Academy”. Dr. Hidayat ur Rehman was the heart of soul of this unique programme. Pakistani ulema, Islamic scholars, bankers, and students were very keen to listen to him and to enhance their knowledge from his rich experience and thorough knowledge of Islamic Banking and Finance. He was warmly welcomed everywhere, and he addressed 22 various universities and institutions in Pakistan.
It was indeed an honor for The News Lark and for Dr Syed Mehboob, Senior Research Editor, that he visited his house on 11th September 2026 and had an interview with him. Here is an excerpt from his interview:
The News Lark ( TNL) : His Excellency, thank you very much for giving us your precious time. It is indeed an honour for us to have an interview with such a great scholar and a person with a track record of serving a great cause. H. E kindly tell us about your educational and professional background.
Dr. Ehab M Elshamy( DEME): Thank you very much, Dr. Syed Mehboob, for your warm welcome to me. Well, I was born in Egypt, an Arab Muslim. From 1983 to 1993, I was in Egypt; then I was shifted to the United States of America. I did my Doctorate in Business Administration in 2013 from Apollos University, USA, and a Master’s from the same university in 2008. From 1995 to 2005, I served in different banks at various positions, from Credit Officer to Vice President. From 2006 to date, I have been serving as CEO at American International Theism University (AITU).Alhamdulillah, I have performed all my responsibilities and duties honestly, with a sense of responsibility and dedication. I developed the credit department, trained staff, formulated credit policy, and managed its effective implementation. I am the first Muslim who has served on the UNO financial committee for training, advocacy, and guidelines.
TNL: You have been here in Pakistan many times. How did you find Pakistani people, and what potential do you see for Pakistan?
DEME: I have been here in Pakistan three times. Pakistani people are cooperative and hospitable, but unfortunately I can not enjoy the spicy food of Pakistan. But I definitely understand and love their culture. Pakistani people are keen to learn from elementary to Ph.D. level; therefore, I can say that Pakistan has great potential to grow and develop.
TNL: Pakistani youth who would like to join the UN, what do you suggest they can do to achieve this task?
DEME: The UNO posts its vacancies online, and Pakistani youth who are interested can apply for relevant posts for which they are eligible and fulfill the criteria. They can be posted anywhere in the world since these are international posts.
TNL: How do you see the future of Islamic Banking and Finance in Pakistan?
DEME: People’s interest in Islamic Banking in Pakistan is increasing, and they have a keen desire to get rid of Riba-based banking and to adhere to sharia compliance banking. So, we can predict that there is great potential for Islamic Banking in Pakistan. Besides, it has global demand, and its market is around US$ 6.5 trillion, and by 2030, it is expected to grow to US$ 10 trillion. Its annual growth is 12%. So we can say it has global demand, and its future is bright.
TNL: What role does Islamic Banking play for poverty alleviation?
DEME: Islamic Banking definitely plays an important role in poverty
alleviation if its rules are implemented with its soul and spirit. Islamic banks spend a huge amount on charity, which is helpful to support poor segments of society.
Dr Syed Mehboob: His Excellency, one example is, to my knowledge. Dr. Amjad Saqib’s “ Akhuwat” project, which introduced interest-free microfinance, is unique and the first one in modern history, and his model was studied by Harvard University and the UN.
DEME: Yes, you are right. Akhuwat is a good example, and more people should follow this line.
TNL: What are the major challenges Islamic Banking is facing?
DEME: Islamic Banking facing some challenges. Harmonizing and internationalizing its rules, and adapting technology and effective marketing techniques still need to be focused.
TNL: Do you think there is a need to form a worldwide Association of Islamic Scholars who have authority on Islamic Banking and sharia to remove the confusion on Islamic Banking and to harmonize Fatwas?
DEME: Yes, there is a need for an organized, connected network of Islamic banking experts and Islamic scholars to cooperate and coordinate to remove the doubts of the people. Such seminars and summits like this one, arranged by Islamic Fiqh Academy in Karachi, are helpful in creating understanding and awareness among the people.
TNL: What message would you like to give to Pakistani youth?
DEME: My message for Pakistani youth is to focus on their studies and skill development. They may develop skills like IT skills, AI skills and communication skills, etc.
It was indeed a pleasant experience to talk and to have an interview with a person highly rich in knowledge and experience who delivered excellent service for the ummah. The News Lark, its Chief Editor Jawed Ahmed Malik, and Senior Research Editor Dr Syed Mehboob are highly thankful to His Excellency Dr. Ehab M Elshamy for giving us his precious time, and we are also grateful to Dr. Hidayat ur Rehman, who coordinated and made this meeting possible.
It is an honor for me and my newspaper, The News Lark, Karachi, that H.E. Dr Ehab M. Elshamy presented me with a souvenir of American International Theism University(AITU) in recognition of my services in promoting the cause of the Muslim ummah and humanity. I, and the whole team of the News Lark, including Mr. Jawed Malik, CEO and Chief Editor of the News Lark, are highly grateful to H.E. Dr. Ehab M. Elshamy for his kindness, and to Dr. Hidayat ur Rehman and Dr. Misbah Ullah Sabir for their kind cooperation.
