LAHORE, Oct 26: The pre-tax profit of Bank of Punjab rose by 24 per cent to Rs4.779 billion during the first three quarters of 2007 from Rs3.854 billion the same period last year.

This transpired at a meeting of the board of directors held here on Friday for approval of bank’s accounts for July-September 2007.

The earning per share (EPS) of the bank for the first three quarters had been recorded at Rs9.60 against Rs7.18 last year, showing an increase of 34 per cent.

The bank deposits rose to Rs191.419 billion registering an increase of 67 per cent and advances grew to Rs120.585 billion or by 37 per cent. The equity of the bank rose by 50 per cent to Rs14.723bn.