US Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker on Friday highlighted the growing commercial partnership between the United States and Pakistan, stating that American technology could help strengthen the security and reliability of Pakistan's financial infrastructure.
She reaffirmed the US commitment to connecting Pakistani institutions with advanced American technology. Baker joined State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad and senior executives of Cisco Systems Pakistan at the central bank's head office to mark the deployment of its new core banking network and software-defined data centre.
She noted that the project demonstrates the importance of trusted technology in protecting critical national infrastructure, maintaining financial stability, and strengthening public confidence. "The State Bank of Pakistan's choice to partner with American industry demonstrates a commitment to technology quality, security, and long-term reliability.
The United States values its long-standing commercial partnership with Pakistan, and we stand ready to continue connecting Pakistani institutions with world-class American innovation," she said. The multimillion-dollar project, awarded to US technology company Cisco, involves modernising the central bank's core banking network and establishing a software-defined data centre designed to improve the security, resilience, and reliability of digital banking services.
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and Cisco Pakistan Country General Manager Kashiful Haque praised the joint engineering effort behind the implementation and migration, which they noted was completed without interrupting central banking operations. Baker concluded that the project reflects the US government's commitment to promoting private-sector collaboration, secure digital infrastructure, and stronger trade and investment ties between the two nations.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, focusing on the digital transformation of Pakistan's financial sector. By leveraging American expertise, the SBP aims to mitigate cyber threats and enhance the overall efficiency of its banking operations.
The deployment of the software-defined data centre is expected to provide a robust foundation for future digital banking services, ensuring that the central bank remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the region. Furthermore, the collaboration underscores the potential for deeper cooperation in the technology sector, which remains a key pillar of the US-Pakistan economic dialogue.
As Pakistan continues to digitize its economy, such partnerships are seen as essential for fostering a secure and resilient financial ecosystem that can withstand global challenges.