KARACHI - Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, M A Rauf Siddiqui has said that Islamic Banking is growing at a fast pace and even the West is witnessing tremendous growth in Islamic banking, which is a sign of bright future for Islamic banking across the world. He expressed these views at a foundation stone laying ceremony of Meezan Bank's Head office building in SITE area Saturday. He said his government would continue to support all efforts to promote Islamic banking and provide business community with conducive business environment so that maximum economic activities could be generated and youth could get employment opportunities. He assured business community that their investment in Pakistan is safe and Pakistan offers high returns on investment. He said that Meezan Bank Ltd has set up an example for other corporate entities by spreading its branch network in 41 cities across the country with 166 branches in just 6 years time. He said that Sindh govt would extend full cooperation to the banking industry so that it can cater to grass root level consumers as well. Earlier, he performed ground breaking of Meezan Bank's Head Office and said that Meezan Bank Ltd has proved that Islamic banking could be the banking of first choice for ever Muslim. He urged bank's management to continue to improve the procedures and products so that maximum people could benefit from the fruits of Islamic banking. President and CEO Meezan Bank Ltd, Irfan Siddiqui said that Government has provided a supportive policy and regulatory framework for Islamic banking due to which Islamic banks are enjoying the rapid growth of Islamic banking in the country. He said that our dream is to spread the benefits of Islamic banking to every Muslim. He said that Meezan bank is pioneer in launching the Islamic financing in Pakistan his bank would continue to spread the Islamic mode of banking for industrial and individual's needs. He said that building is being constructed on a plot of land measuring 10,000 square yards with a covered area of around 250,000 square feet. This, he said will provide enough area for current and future expansion plans and more importantly parking for over 300 cars. He said that Meezan bank has achieved yet another milestone by successfully establishing 166 branches spread over 41 major cities across Pakistan within a short span of 6 years.