KARACHI: Askari Bank Limited (AKBL) has announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, reporting a profit after tax of Rs6.56 billion on an unconsolidated basis while declaring an interim cash dividend of Rs2.00 per share (20%) for its shareholders. The announcement was made following the Board of Directors’ meeting held on April 27, 2026.
The bank recorded a profit after tax of Rs6.566 billion, compared with Rs7.123 billion in the corresponding quarter of last year. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs4.53, down from Rs4.91 a year earlier, reflecting a modest decline in profitability despite resilient core operations.
During the quarter, net mark-up/interest income increased to Rs22.10 billion from Rs21.83 billion in the same period last year. The improvement was supported by stable lending activity, although overall total income edged up only slightly to Rs27.29 billion. At the same time, operating expenses rose, putting pressure on the bank’s bottom line.
Askari Bank also generated healthy non-mark-up income, driven by higher fee and commission earnings, foreign exchange income, and gains on securities. However, increased operating costs and taxation weighed on net earnings during the reporting period.
On the balance sheet, the bank’s total assets increased to approximately Rs3.22 trillion as of March 31, 2026, compared with Rs2.90 trillion at the end of December 2025. Deposits and advances also remained at strong levels, highlighting continued growth in the bank’s operations.
In addition to approving the cash dividend, the Board announced that there would be no bonus shares, right shares, or any other corporate action for the quarter. The share transfer books will remain closed from May 8 to May 12, 2026 (both days inclusive) for determining shareholders eligible to receive the interim dividend.
