FBR Amends Banking Schedule to Streamline Taxable Income Reporting for Banks
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has amended the banking schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 to align banking income with taxable income, introducing provisions on rental expenses, bad debts, and compliance requirements effective July 1, 2025.
Pakistan’s Banking Sector Orchestrates Historic Rs 1.3 Trillion Financial Deal to Tackle Circular Debt
Pakistan’s banking industry plays a pivotal role in structuring the largest-ever Rs 1.3 trillion financial deal to address the country’s circular debt, with experts emphasizing the need for billing, governance, and collection reforms for long-term stability.
BML Posts First Half-Year Pre-Tax Profit of PKR 1.44 Billion After Over a Decade
BML has reported its first half-year pre-tax profit in over a decade, posting PKR 1.44 billion for the period ending June 30, 2025, driven by strategic restructuring and improved operations.
HBL Reports 30% Surge in Half-Yearly Profit Before Tax, Advances Client-Centric Innovations and Inclusive Finance
HBL posts a 30% YoY rise in profit before tax for H1 2025, reaching Rs 75.3 billion. Backed by a strategic focus on client-centric growth, AI-driven engagement, and inclusive financing models, the bank continues to lead innovation in Pakistan’s banking sector.
Bank Alfalah Announces Rs2.5 Per Share Dividend Despite 25.8% Drop in Half-Year Profit
Bank Alfalah Limited has declared a Rs2.5 per share cash dividend for the first half of 2025, despite a 25.8% year-on-year drop in profit after tax, reflecting strong non-markup income growth but rising operational costs.
State Bank of Pakistan Raises Special Cash Reserve Account Rate to 3.35% for August 2025
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has revised the Special Cash Reserve Account (US$) rate upward to 3.35% for August 2025, reflecting its ongoing adjustments to monetary instruments under FE Circular 25 of 1998.
Rethinking the Criticism: Why Banks Prefer Government Lending Amid Pakistan’s Economic Realities
Furqan Ali critiques the widespread perception of opportunism in Pakistan’s banking sector, arguing that reliance on government lending is a calculated response to deeper structural flaws. He urges for major public finance and economic reforms to enable a more balanced credit environment.
Bank Deposit Rates Slide to 3.35% in June Amid Persistent Negative Real Returns
Pakistan’s average bank deposit rate declined by 14 basis points to 3.35% in June 2025, with real returns staying negative amid stubborn inflation. The latest SBP data reflects tightening spreads and ongoing pressure on savers despite a growing deposit base.
PBA Leads Pakistan’s Banking Sector with Focus on Inclusion and Strategic Reforms
Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), under the leadership of Muneer Kamal, reinforces its mission to build an inclusive banking ecosystem by driving policy reforms and strategic collaborations across the financial sector.
Pakistan’s banking sector ADR drops to 38 percent as cautious lending continues
Pakistan’s banking sector advance-to-deposit ratio fell to 38 percent in June 2025, reflecting continued cautious lending to private businesses, even as deposits grew and banks remained heavily invested in government debt instruments.