- Oil, banking, and FMCG sectors drive GDP uplift, contributing globally with projected 2026 growth
Introduction
Pakistan’s economy in 2025 demonstrated resilience amid global uncertainties, achieving a GDP growth of approximately 2.5-2.7%, supported by macroeconomic stabilization under IMF programs, declining inflation to around 5%, and a surge in remittances reaching $16.1 billion in the first half of the fiscal year. The stock market, represented by the KSE-100 Index, soared to over 170,000 points, marking a 50% return and positioning it among the world’s top performers. Key sectors like oil and gas, banking, telecommunications, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and textiles drove this progress, with leading brands contributing significantly to employment, exports, and fiscal revenues.
Despite challenges such as agricultural slowdowns and external risks, the economy is projected to grow by 3-3.5% in 2026, bolstered by IMF reforms, stable exchange rates, and investments in infrastructure. This article examines Pakistan’s leading brands across major sectors, their 2025 performance based on revenue, profit, and growth metrics, projections for 2026, and rankings by revenue. Data is drawn from verifiable sources including Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reports, company financials, and economic analyses.
Sector-Wise Analysis of Leading Brands
Oil and Gas Sector
Pakistan’s oil and gas sector remains a cornerstone of the economy, with state-owned enterprises dominating amid rising energy demands. In 2025, the sector faced lower global oil prices (Arab Light averaging in the low $70s per barrel) but benefited from domestic production stability.
- Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC): As Pakistan’s largest exploration and production (E&P) firm, OGDC reported a net profit of PKR 169.9 billion in FY25, down 17% YoY due to lower oil realizations and gas curtailments. Revenue was around PKR 3.32 trillion, with a market cap of $4.15 billion by December 2025. Growth was modest at 7% in Q1 FY26, but full-year earnings per share (EPS) stood at PKR 40. For 2026, projections indicate a 10-15% profit rebound if oil prices stabilize above $75/barrel, driven by new explorations.
- Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): PPL achieved a profit of PKR 89.9 billion in 2025, with revenue of PKR 1.41 trillion. Market cap reached $1.9 billion. The company focused on gas production, offsetting a 20% drop in oil output. 2026 projections: 5-8% growth in revenue, supported by partnerships and reduced curtailments.
- Mari Petroleum Company Limited: With a profit of PKR 65 billion and market cap of $3.0 billion, Mari excelled in efficiency, maintaining margins above 50%. 2025 growth was 20% YoY. For 2026, analysts forecast 15% revenue increase to PKR 1 trillion, leveraging renewable integrations.
Other notables include Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) with high dividend yields. The sector’s overall petroleum sales rose 7% YoY to 16.3 million tons in FY25.
Banking Sector
Banking thrived in 2025, with KSE-100 banks posting a record profit of $1.15 billion in H1, up 19% YoY. Declining interest rates (policy rate to 10.5%) boosted advances by 26% to PKR 15.5 trillion.
- United Bank Limited (UBL): Led with PKR 130-135 billion profit (projected full-year), revenue growth of 25%, and market cap of $3.69 billion. EPS hit PKR 100+. 2026 outlook: 12-15% growth, driven by digital banking expansions.
- Meezan Bank Limited: Islamic banking pioneer with PKR 71 billion profit, up 20% YoY, and market cap of $2.52 billion. Deposits grew 8%. Projections for 2026: 18% revenue rise to PKR 300 billion amid Shariah demand.
- Habib Bank Limited (HBL): Profit of PKR 51 billion, market cap $1.5 billion+. Focused on remittances. 2026: 10% growth expected.
Other top performers: MCB (PKR 41 billion profit), NBP (PKR 66 billion). Sector ROE was 22.2%, with CAR at 19.8%. Pakistani banks claimed seven of Asia-Pacific’s top 15 performers by returns.
Telecommunications Sector
Telecom market share in 2025: Jazz (37.15%), Zong (26.36%), Telenor (21.83%), Ufone (13.67%). Industry revenue projected at USD 2.4 billion, growing to USD 2.5 billion in 2026.
- Jazz (VEON): 66.4 million subscribers, leading in speed and coverage. Revenue up 15% YoY to USD 1 billion+. 2026 projection: 10% growth with 5G rollout.
- Zong (China Mobile): Strong in data, revenue growth 12%. Market cap equivalent $800 million. 2026: 8-10% expansion via fiber optics.
- Telenor: 45 million users, but merger with Ufone pending. Revenue stable at USD 600 million. 2026: Post-merger growth of 15%.
Sector ARPU declined, but subscriber growth (CAGR 4.3%) supports 2026 revenue at USD 2.5-3 billion.
FMCG Sector
FMCG revenue in 2025 estimated at PKR 500 billion+ from multinationals alone. Growth driven by urban consumption.
- Unilever Pakistan: Revenue PKR 120 billion, up 10% YoY. Brands like Lipton, Dove. 2026: 12% growth projected.
- Nestlé Pakistan: PKR 85 billion revenue, growth 19.2% in Q3. Market cap $1.12 billion. 2026: 15% increase.
- PepsiCo Pakistan: PKR 60 billion, stable growth. 2026: 10% projection.
Sector market size to reach USD 10 billion by 2031, CAGR 7%.
Textiles Sector
Exports hit $17.88 billion in FY25, up 7.22%. Q1 FY26 profits up 3.1x YoY.
- Nishat Mills: Revenue PKR 100 billion+, profit up 41% to PKR 1.3 billion in Q1 FY26. 2026: 20% growth.
- Gul Ahmed Textile: Profit PKR 2.4 billion in Q1, up 6%. 2026: 15-18% projection.
- Interloop Limited: Tenfold profit increase to PKR 2.5 billion. Exports PKR 147 billion. 2026: 25% growth.
Overall exports projected at $20 billion in 2026.
Top Brands by Revenue in 2025
Based on PSX and financial reports, here are the top 10 by estimated revenue (PKR billion):
| Rank | Company | Sector | Revenue (PKR Bn) | Profit (PKR Bn) | Market Cap (USD Bn) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OGDC | Oil & Gas | 3,320 | 170 | 4.15 |
| 2 | PPL | Oil & Gas | 1,410 | 90 | 1.9 |
| 3 | Engro Corporation | Diversified | 1,264 (Group) | 86 | 4.44 |
| 4 | UBL | Banking | 1,200+ | 130-135 | 3.69 |
| 5 | PSO | Oil Marketing | 1,000+ | N/A | 1.34 |
| 6 | Nestlé Pakistan | FMCG | 85 | N/A | 1.12 |
| 7 | Nishat Group | Textiles | 671 (Group Cap) | N/A | 2.36 |
| 8 | Jazz | Telecom | 300+ | N/A | N/A |
| 9 | Unilever Pakistan | FMCG | 120 | N/A | N/A |
| 10 | Meezan Bank | Banking | 300+ | 71 | 2.52 |
Challenges and Opportunities for 2026
While 2025 marked stabilization, 2026 offers growth potential through digital transformation, green energy shifts, and export diversification. Risks include geopolitical tensions and climate impacts. Leading brands like OGDC and UBL are poised for 10-20% growth, contributing to a projected GDP uplift of 3.6%.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s leading brands in 2025 showcased adaptability, with oil & gas and banking leading revenues amid economic recovery. Projections for 2026 signal sustained growth, potentially adding $200 billion in sectoral value globally, with Pakistan capturing a share through reforms. These entities not only drive GDP but also foster innovation and employment, positioning Pakistan as a regional economic player.
The author, Nazir Ahmed Shaikh, is a freelance writer, columnist, blogger, and motivational speaker. He writes articles on diversified topics. He can be reached at sir.nazir.shaikh@gmail.com