SBP deploys multimillion-dollar Cisco Network to modernize financial infrastructure
KARACHI (News Desk): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has successfully deployed a multimillion-dollar core banking network and Software-Defined Data Center in collaboration with US technology giant Cisco Systems, marking a major step towards modernizing the country’s critical financial infrastructure.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and Cisco Pakistan Country General Manager Kashif Ul-Haque attended a ceremony at the central bank’s head office in Karachi on Friday to mark the successful completion of the project.
Awarded to Cisco, the project establishes a secure, agile and resilient software-defined data centre architecture aimed at strengthening the State Bank’s digital infrastructure, safeguarding monetary stability and ensuring reliable banking services across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Natalie Baker highlighted the importance of secure and trusted technology in supporting modern financial systems, while emphasizing the growing commercial partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
She said the central bank’s infrastructure was a national asset underpinning economic stability and public confidence, adding that Pakistan’s decision to partner with an American technology company reflected its commitment to quality, security and long-term reliability.
Baker also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening commercial ties and connecting Pakistani institutions with American technological innovation.
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and Cisco Pakistan Country General Manager Kashif Ul-Haque appreciated the joint engineering efforts behind the project, particularly the complex implementation and migration process, which was completed without disrupting the central bank’s operations.
The deployment is expected to enhance the resilience and flexibility of the State Bank’s technology infrastructure, supporting its evolving operational and digital requirements.
The development also highlights expanding US-Pakistan cooperation in the technology sector, with a focus on private-sector collaboration, secure digital infrastructure and bilateral trade and investment.
However, the State Bank and Cisco have not publicly disclosed the project’s exact financial value, technical specifications or the expected operational savings in the announcement.