KARACHI: The banking sector reported cumulative profits of Rs671 billion in CY25, reflecting 11 per cent year-on-year growth, said a research report of Topline Securities.
Earnings expansion was primarily driven by a sharp decline in interest expenses, which more than offset the reduction in interest income amid a low policy rate environment, resulting in an overall increase in NII.
United Bank Ltd led the charge, recording its highest ever profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs130bn, followed by Meezan Bank Ltd, recording a profit of Rs90.7bn and National Bank of Pakistan with a PAT of Rs85bn.
In terms of earnings growth, NBP achieved a significant 227pc YoY increase, due to increased NII and other supportive factors like one-off pension charge recognized in CY24. Meanwhile, UBL achieved earnings growth of 73pc YoY followed by Bank of Punjab at 18pc YoY.
The top dividend paying banks in CY25 were MCB Bank (Rs36 per share), NBP (Rs35), UBL (Rs29.5) and Meezan Bank (Rs28).
Habib Bank Ltd recorded the highest deposits of Rs5.5 trillion, followed by UBL (Rs5.1tr) and MEBL (Rs3.3tr). On the deposit growth front, UBL led with 96pc YoY increase in deposits, followed by Faysal Bank (37pc) and MEBL (28pc).
Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2026
