Islamabad: Askari Bank Limited (AKBL) has announced an interim cash dividend of Rs. 2.0 per share, equivalent to a 20% payout, for the quarter ending March 31, 2026. This decision was made during the Board of Directors meeting held on April 27, 2026, aimed at providing shareholders with a return on their investment. No bonus or right shares were declared, and no additional corporate actions were undertaken.

The financial results for the quarter, unveiled during the meeting, reflect a profit before taxation of Rs. 13.71 billion. This marks a decrease from the previous year’s Rs. 15.21 billion for the same period. According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the cash flow from operating activities portrayed a significant increase, ending at Rs. 263.07 billion compared to Rs. 161.55 billion in the previous year.

Operational highlights include a considerable increase in borrowings from financial institutions, which rose to Rs. 284.49 billion from Rs. 69.25 billion, and a notable rise in deposits, reaching Rs. 59.69 billion from Rs. 23.92 billion. However, the bank experienced a decrease in cash flow from investing activities, amounting to Rs. 214.39 billion, compared to Rs. 148.82 billion in the previous year, reflecting the bank’s strategic investment adjustments.

The bank’s net cash flow used in financing activities amounted to Rs. 3.35 billion, an improvement from the previous year’s Rs. 5.21 billion. Consequently, cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to Rs. 166.34 billion by the end of the period, compared to Rs. 151.81 billion a year earlier.

Shareholders are advised that the share transfer books will be closed from May 8, 2026, to May 12, 2026, for the purpose of determining dividend entitlement, with entitlement payments made to those listed in the Register of Members as of the close of business on May 7, 2026.