Mashreq, a leading international financial institution with a strong regional presence and a growing footprint in Pakistan, has inaugurated new Mashreq Global Network (MGN) Pakistan Offshore Centres in Karachi and Lahore. The expansion builds on Mashreq’s continued investment in Pakistan’s talent, technology and digital banking infrastructure. More than USD 40 million has been deployed to date to support MGN Pakistan’s growth and capability development.
The new centres are designed to widen access to opportunity for skilled professionals and strengthen the Group’s distributed workforce model. MGN Pakistan now draws talent from more than 30 cities across the country and operates on a merit-based hiring framework that creates pathways for professionals regardless of location or background. This approach has enabled MGN Pakistan to more than double its workforce over the past three years to over 520 employees, with further expansion planned as part of Mashreq’s broader global operating strategy.
Speaking at the launch, Mark Edwards, Group Head of Operations, Mashreq Group, said “The Offshore Centres in Karachi and Lahore are an important part of Mashreq’s distributed operating model. They allow us to tap into Pakistan’s expanding digital and financial talent pool, while reinforcing our commitment to operational excellence and innovation across the Group.”
MGN Pakistan has also introduced structured programs to support upskilling, career mobility and gender inclusion. Women currently represent 35% of the workforce, one of the highest participation ratios in Pakistan’s financial sector. The framework is designed to enable young professionals to build technical and operational careers within a global financial institution without relocating abroad.
“Mashreq’s investment in Pakistan is shaped by a long-term view of the country’s talent and digital potential,” said Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad, CEO, Mashreq Pakistan. “The Offshore Centres are not only expanding our presence in Pakistan, they are opening new channels for Pakistani professionals to contribute to global financial services.”
Pakistan has experienced growing demand for digital financial services over the past two years, supported by rising smartphone penetration, stronger digital payments infrastructure and increased specialization in financial technology roles. MGN Pakistan plays an important role in supporting this momentum by creating employment pathways, accelerating capability development and enhancing Mashreq’s operational resilience.
Commenting on the development, Faisal Muqeet, Head of Mashreq Global Network Pakistan, said “We aim to strengthen MGN Pakistan as an Offshore Centre built on merit, diversity and performance. We want to create an environment where talent from across Pakistan can excel and play a meaningful role in Mashreq’s global operations.”