KARACHI, Aug 21: National Bank of Pakistan posted profit after tax at Rs8.02bn for the first half year ended June 30, 2006, representing 82.4pc surge over profit after tax at Rs4.39bn in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Earning per share (eps) for the half year worked out at Rs11.31, which was higher than market expectations. EPS for the same time last year was Rs6.20. The board of directors, which had met on Saturday, announced results on Monday.

The growth in profitability, analysts said, was on the back of strong growth in the core mark-up/interest income.

The net mark-up/interest income of the bank climbed to Rs14.37bn from Rs9.87bn in the comparable period of last year. Non mark-up income rose 32pc to Rs4.89bn from Rs3.71bn. — Our Staff Reporter