The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has reported a landmark financial performance for the first half of 2025, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing banks in Pakistan. In its board meeting held on August 29, 2025, the bank’s directors reviewed and approved the un-audited financial statements for the six-month period ending June 30, 2025, which had been duly vetted by external auditors.
The standout highlight of the results was BOP’s operating profit, which soared by 278% year-on-year to reach Rs. 15.52 billion. This extraordinary growth comes despite a business environment marked by declining interest rates and margin pressures across the industry. For the first time in its history, the bank also declared an interim cash dividend of 10%, equivalent to Rs. 1 per share, fulfilling its dividend policy commitments announced earlier this year.
Net interest income reflected the bank’s core strength, rising 116% to Rs. 35.81 billion compared to the same period last year. Non-interest income further strengthened the earnings profile, recording 40% growth on the back of fee-based revenues and diversified income streams. Operational efficiency also improved as the cost-to-income ratio fell, reflecting prudent cost control and higher productivity.
BOP’s profit before tax rose to Rs. 15.16 billion, more than doubling from Rs. 7.51 billion in the first half of 2024. Earnings per share climbed to Rs. 2.08 against Rs. 1.47 last year, despite a steep tax rate of 53%. The results underscore the bank’s resilience, strong governance, and ability to generate consistent value for shareholders.
The bank’s balance sheet demonstrated stability and scale, with total assets expanding to Rs. 2,444 billion. Deposits advanced 23% to Rs. 1,947 billion, supported by a notable 43% rise in current deposits, highlighting growing customer confidence. Gross advances stood at Rs. 777 billion, while investments and lending to financial institutions reached Rs. 1,435 billion. The Capital Adequacy Ratio further improved to 17.42%, reflecting a strong capital base and effective risk management practices.
Beyond financial performance, BOP continues to make an impact on socio-economic development, particularly through initiatives with the Government of Punjab. These include flagship schemes such as the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Scheme, Kissan Card, Livestock Card, Petrol/Electric Bikes financing, and the Apni Chat Apna Ghar program. These efforts illustrate the bank’s role in driving financial inclusion and supporting growth at the grassroots level.
BOP has also emerged as a leader in SME and agriculture financing. During FY25, its share of SME lending surged to 21% of the industry total, while it accounted for 97% of growth in SME borrowers. In agriculture financing, BOP contributed 51% of the industry’s year-on-year growth, while adding nearly 500,000 new first-time borrowers. Much of this success has been enabled through the bank’s Digital and AI platform, which ensures efficiency, scalability, and recovery rates exceeding 96%.
In housing, the bank’s delivery under the Chief Minister Punjab’s Apni Chat Apna Ghar scheme has been unprecedented, with 50,000 houses financed in just six months of FY25. This was made possible through collaborations with microfinance institutions, including Akhuwat, to provide low-income families with access to affordable housing solutions.
With record-breaking profits, its first-ever dividend, and groundbreaking contributions to SME, agriculture, and housing finance, the Bank of Punjab has positioned itself not only as a financial powerhouse but also as a catalyst for inclusive economic progress. Its performance demonstrates that growth in profitability can be coupled with meaningful development impact, reinforcing its role as one of Pakistan’s most dynamic banking institutions.
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