Lahore: The Bank of Punjab has announced that it has received in-principle approval from the State Bank of Pakistan to establish an Overseas Wholesale Banking Unit in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This development was disclosed in a report dated August 6, 2026, as per the bank's regulatory obligations.

The approval, granted by the State Bank of Pakistan in a letter dated August 5, 2026, marks a significant step towards expanding the bank's international operations. However, the commencement of operations is contingent upon obtaining all necessary approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities in both Pakistan and Bahrain. This includes the acquisition of a No Objection Certificate from the Central Bank of Bahrain and the subsequent issuance of a banking license by the State Bank of Pakistan.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), this disclosure adheres to Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1(a) of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Regulations. The Bank of Punjab has committed to keeping the exchange informed of any further material developments, ensuring transparency in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Bank of Punjab's strategic move into Bahrain represents a significant milestone in its growth trajectory and underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in the international wholesale banking market. The announcement has been disseminated to TRE Certificate Holders of the Exchange for informational purposes.