Pakistan’s banking sector has achieved a historic milestone in the first half of 2025, posting record profits of Rs326 billion. A report by Arif Habib Limited shows that profits have grown by almost 20% compared to the same period last year.
The April to June quarter alone contributed Rs160 billion, which is 23% higher than the profits earned in the same quarter of 2024. This strong performance reflects both financial growth and increasing stability in the sector.
Net Interest Income, which is the income banks earn from lending and investments, crossed the Rs1 trillion mark for the first time. Non-markup income, which includes earnings from services like fees and commissions, also increased by 7%, showing a healthy mix of revenue sources.
This growth has had a big impact on stock market performance as well. The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) reported a share price increase of 148%, while United Bank Limited (UBL) gained 111%.
Askari Bank also made headlines by announcing a dividend for its shareholders after more than ten years, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
At the same time, the sector has contributed significantly to the national economy by paying Rs394 billion in taxes. This figure highlights not only the strength of the banking industry but also its role in supporting government revenues.
