Lahore: The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has reported a record financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, posting a significant increase in profitability driven by strong growth in core banking income, higher fee-based earnings, and improved operational efficiency. The results reflect the bank’s continued focus on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.

According to the bank’s unaudited financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, profit before tax surged to Rs10.24 billion, marking a 155% year-on-year increase from Rs4.01 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year. After accounting for taxes of Rs5.47 billion, the bank reported a profit after tax of Rs4.77 billion, compared to Rs1.80 billion in the same period of 2025. Earnings per share (EPS) also improved significantly to Rs1.46, up from Rs0.55 a year earlier.

The bank’s net interest income climbed 47% year-on-year to Rs22.08 billion, supported by stronger core banking operations. Meanwhile, fee and commission income increased sharply by around 69%, helping total non-interest income rise to Rs5.69 billion, demonstrating the bank’s success in diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional lending.

BOP’s total income reached Rs27.78 billion, while disciplined cost management and improved operational performance contributed to an operating profit growth of 98% compared to the same period last year. The bank also recorded a reversal in credit loss provisions, further supporting its bottom line.

The balance sheet remained robust, with total assets standing at Rs2.60 trillion and customer deposits at Rs1.93 trillion. Gross advances reached Rs927 billion, while investments and lending to financial institutions amounted to approximately Rs1.43 trillion. The bank maintained a healthy Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 13.37%, providing sufficient capacity to support future business expansion.

During the quarter, the bank continued expanding its digital and development-focused lending initiatives. It disclosed that more than Rs200 billion has been disbursed under digital lending programs, including the Kissan Card, Karobar Card, and Livestock Card schemes, benefiting nearly one million borrowers. Additionally, over Rs65 billion has been disbursed under the Assan Karobar program to support small businesses and agriculture, while financing under the Apni Chat Apna Ghar housing scheme exceeded Rs2 billion. The bank is also financing electric vehicles through its E-Taxi initiative, supporting environmentally sustainable transportation.

BOP further highlighted its continued investment in technology and customer services through its nationwide network of 901 digital branches, including 210 Islamic banking branches, along with 953 ATMs. The bank maintained its long-term credit rating of AA+ and short-term rating of A1+, reaffirming its financial strength and sound risk management practices.

The management expressed confidence that the bank’s strong capital position, diversified income streams, and continued focus on digital innovation will support sustainable growth while delivering long-term value to shareholders.