Lahore: The Bank of Punjab has released its half-yearly financial statements for the period ending June 30, 2026. Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the bank has demonstrated strong performance, reflecting the broader resilience of Pakistan's macroeconomic framework.
The report, dated August 28, 2026, highlights that Pakistan's GDP grew by 3.7% in FY2026, bolstered by sustained fiscal consolidation and prudent expenditure management. Inflation, however, increased to an average of 7% due to elevated global oil prices, prompting the State Bank of Pakistan to raise the policy rate by 100 basis points in April 2026 to maintain price stability.
Despite the challenging external environment, the external account remained broadly balanced with a marginal current account deficit of US$ 139 million. Record workers' remittances totaling US$ 41.6 billion, largely from the Gulf region, played a significant role in achieving this balance. Pakistan's return to international capital markets, marked by raising US$ 750 million through a Eurobond and US$ 250 million through a Panda Bond, further strengthened its external buffers.
According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the KSE-100 index saw a significant move, gaining approximately 44% year-on-year, closing at a record 180,302 points. This reflects renewed investor confidence in Pakistan's macroeconomic stability and reform trajectory.
The banking sector mirrored this resilience, with the Bank of Punjab reporting a profit before taxation of 20,445.127 million Pakistani Rupees, and a profit after taxation amounting to 9,529.395 million Pakistani Rupees. Earnings per share stood at Rs. 2.91. The Board of Directors declared an interim cash dividend of 16%, the highest ever, in recognition of the bank's strong financial performance.
Looking ahead, the government is targeting GDP growth of 4% for FY2027, with average inflation projected at 8.2%. While price pressures are expected to persist, particularly in food, housing, and services, the banking sector is positioned to benefit from strong deposit growth and stable yields. The Bank of Punjab's results for the first half of 2026 underscore sustained business momentum and operational discipline, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder value.