The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has been upgraded to a long-term entity rating
of AAA from AA+ by The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA), with the short
term rating held at A1+ and a Stable Outlook. BOP becomes the first and only
provincial bank in Pakistan to achieve the nation’s highest credit rating, a
milestone built on a stronger deposit franchise, rising profitability and disciplined
risk management.
The numbers tell the story. In 2025, BOP’s deposits crossed PKR 2 trillion, while
operating profit before credit loss allowance nearly doubled, rising 98.5% to PKR
40.7 billion. The driver: a sharply improved deposit mix and a substantially lower
cost of funds, translating into stronger core earnings, tighter costs and prudent risk
stewardship.
“AAA is more than a rating, it is proof of what disciplined, professional banking
can build,” said Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab. “We
have created a commercially strong institution that delivers sustainable value for
shareholders while staying true to financial inclusion, responsible banking and the
development of Punjab and Pakistan.”
BOP is Pakistan’s leading digital lender and a frontrunner in priority-sector finance,
SME, agriculture, women’s financial inclusion and housing. Through flagship
Government of Punjab programmes such as Asaan Karobar, Kissan Card,
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Livestock Card and Apni Chat Apna Ghar, the Bank has opened formal financial
access to entrepreneurs, farmers, women and first-time borrowers across the
province.
The Bank thanks its majority sponsor, the Government of Punjab, whose
confidence and strategic guidance have strengthened BOP’s institutional
capacity and anchored its role in the province’s growth and inclusion agenda.
“This achievement belongs to our people,” Mr. Masud added. “We are grateful
to the Government of Punjab, our Board of Directors, customers, regulators,
shareholders and above all to our Honourable Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz
Sharif Saheba, for her faith in BOP and its unmatched team. The professionalism
and hard work of our employees made this possible, and we are determined to
sustain this momentum and keep delivering results worthy of the trust placed in
us.”
BOP reaffirms its commitment to responsible growth, strong capital, customer
centric digital innovation, financial inclusion and lasting value for all stakeholders.
The Bank of Punjab is the country’s largest SME, agriculture, low cost housing and
women-entrepreneurship lender, its largest credit card issuer, and its leading
digital lender.
