Total deposits held by scheduled banks in Pakistan increased by 0.7% to Rs35.38 trillion in November 2025, up from Rs35.15 trillion at the end of October, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. When compared to the same month last year, deposits rose 13.6%, reflecting a growth from Rs31.15 trillion in November 2024.
The report also indicated that total advances by scheduled banks rose by 1.1% to Rs13.42 trillion, compared to Rs13.28 trillion in the previous month. However, when compared year-on-year, advances declined by 9.8% from Rs14.87 trillion in November 2024, highlighting a slowdown in lending growth despite positive monthly momentum.
As a result of the moderate growth in deposits and steady increase in advances, the Advances to Deposits Ratio (ADR) edged higher to 37.9%, marking a rise of 16 basis points on a monthly basis. On an annual comparison, the ADR showed a notable decrease of 982 basis points, reflecting the stronger growth in deposits relative to advances over the past year.
Investments by scheduled banks also showed incremental growth in November, rising 0.5% to Rs36.73 trillion from Rs36.55 trillion in October. Compared to last year, total investments recorded a significant increase of 26.5%, indicating that banks continue to allocate substantial resources toward investment instruments amid a changing financial landscape.
The Investment to Deposit Ratio (IDR) experienced a marginal decline of 16 basis points to 103.8% compared to the previous month. On a year-on-year basis, the IDR rose by 1,062 basis points, reflecting the faster growth in banks’ investments relative to deposits over the last twelve months.
Analysts note that the banking sector’s performance in November reflects a balance between cautious lending and robust deposit accumulation. While advances have shown limited year-on-year growth, the increase in deposits indicates sustained public confidence in the banking system. The upward trend in investments suggests that banks are strategically managing liquidity to optimize returns while maintaining stability in their asset portfolios.
The data highlights evolving dynamics within Pakistan’s banking sector, where deposit growth, lending activity, and investment strategies interact to influence key financial ratios such as ADR and IDR. The modest monthly increase in advances and deposits demonstrates measured growth, while the annual comparisons underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of credit expansion and investment allocation to support economic activity.
Overall, November’s banking indicators point to a sector maintaining stability while navigating the challenges of fluctuating credit demand and investment opportunities, providing insights into the broader financial health and strategic positioning of Pakistan’s scheduled banks.
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