What attracted DIB to set up operations in Pakistan, given the image of instability, and known infrastructure problems?
M.A. Mannan: It is all about risk and reward. To us, Pakistan was an obvious choice. If you look at the population and take a look at the demand for Islamic banking in Pakistan, it is immense. Recent research that we conducted shows that eight out of ten Pakistanis are looking for Islamic banking. The growth in the last two years, although the industry is very nascent, the market share is already at 2.4% which is far more and a far lesser amount of time, compared to other countries. As far as Pakistans infrastructure issues are concerned, Islamic banking itself is going through an evolutionary phase. DIB has the resources and the will to work with the infrastructure issues and not only develop Islamic banking but we are also a part of developing infrastructure. We have committed $100 million, which is one the biggest investments that has come into Pakistan. We are looking to open 100 branches across Pakistan, in 42 cities. We are looking to launch not only one segment of products, but
