Fatima Fertilizer Becomes First Company to Join Hands with Government of Punjab’s EP&CCD for Environmental Sustainability
Joint Collaborative Framework to advance climate action, environmental awareness and sustainable development in Punjab
Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited and the Environment Protection & Climate Change Department (EP&CCD), Government of Punjab, have established a Joint Collaborative Framework to strengthen collective efforts towards environmental sustainability, climate action and sustainable development across the province.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to bringing public- and private-sector stakeholders together to support environmental priorities, encourage responsible practices and build greater awareness of the challenges facing Punjab. It will provide a platform for facilitating partnerships, mobilising stakeholder participation and promoting initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Through this framework, Fatima Fertilizer and EP&CCD aim to encourage meaningful engagement with industry, academia, youth, civil society and other relevant stakeholders. Areas of potential collaboration include environmental awareness, air quality improvement, smog mitigation, water conservation, waste management, biodiversity protection and green innovation.
The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By fostering cross-sector collaboration and supporting awareness and engagement around environmental challenges, the framework seeks to contribute to broader sustainability objectives while encouraging collective responsibility for environmental protection.
Commenting on the collaboration, Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing & Sales, Fatima Fertilizer, said: “Building a sustainable future requires collective commitment, practical action and strong partnerships across sectors. Through our collaboration with EP&CCD, we aim to contribute to greater environmental awareness, encourage responsible practices and bring stakeholders together around shared sustainability priorities. We believe that meaningful progress on climate action and environmental protection depends on turning awareness into action and working collectively towards a more sustainable future for Punjab.”
Speaking at the event, Ms. Silwat Saeed, Secretary, Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD), Government of Punjab, said, “Fatima Fertilizer is the first company to come forward and join hands with the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department in this collaborative effort towards environmental sustainability. Addressing the challenges of climate change requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. By combining our efforts and expertise, we can strengthen environmental awareness, promote sustainable practices and build greater resilience for Punjab’s future generations.”
The Joint Collaborative Framework underscores the importance of cooperation between public institutions and the private sector in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development. Through this partnership, Fatima Fertilizer and EP&CCD aim to support a more informed, engaged and environmentally conscious society in Punjab.
NBP Wins Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative of the Year – Pakistan at ABF Awards 2026
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has been recognized with the “Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative of the Year – Pakistan” award at the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Corporate & Investment Banking Awards 2026, for the Bank’s role in structuring and arranging a PKR 850 million syndicated project finance facility to support the deployment of solar energy systems at cellular tower sites.
Presented in Singapore, the award recognizes outstanding performance, innovation and excellence in corporate and investment banking across Asia. NBP was recognized for its advisory, structuring and financing support for Infraelectric (Pvt.) Limited (IFPL), a renewable energy solutions provider.
Under the transaction, NBP advised, structured and arranged the PKR 850 million Islamic financing facility for IFPL to support a clean energy and decarbonization initiative involving the installation of solar photovoltaic systems at cellular tower sites. The initiative is aimed at enabling cleaner and more energy-efficient telecommunications infrastructure while supporting the transition towards renewable energy.
Commenting on the recognition, Usman Shahid, SEVP & Group Chief, Corporate & Investment Banking Group, NBP, said, “This recognition by Asian Banking & Finance reflects NBP’s growing role in enabling sustainable infrastructure and mobilizing capital towards projects that create both economic and environmental value. We remain committed to working with our clients and partners to develop financing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Pakistan.”
The recognition underscores NBP’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure and facilitating investment in renewable energy and decarbonization initiatives through innovative financing solutions.
LPG Price Hike Deepens Consumer Hardship; Urgent Relief Needed: Mian Zahid Hussain
President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman of the FPCCI Policy Advisory Board, and former Provincial IT Minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, has expressed concern over LPG prices reaching Rs500–600 per kilogram in various markets across the country, against OGRA’s notified October price of Rs279.34 per kilogram. He said Pakistan was already facing disruptions and uncertainty in imported LNG supplies amidst the current geopolitical crisis. Although the arrival of one LNG cargo in October had provided some relief, uninterrupted supplies throughout winter remained essential. Disruptions in pipeline gas supplies force households and commercial consumers to turn to LPG, making shortages and excessive prices of this alternative fuel a further threat to energy security. He said the substantial gap between notified and market prices required immediate improvements in supply, distribution and regulatory oversight.
Mian Zahid Hussain said the notified LPG price increased by approximately 8 percent, from Rs258.65 per kilogram in September to Rs279.34 in October. In comparison, market prices of Rs500-600 per kilogram were approximately 79-114.8 percent above the October notified rate. He said this disparity could not be explained by the monthly increase in the official price alone. Supply-chain disruptions, import and transportation costs, and margins charged at different stages of distribution required separate scrutiny. He said the notified price of an 11.8-kilogram domestic cylinder had increased by only Rs244.14, from Rs3,052.09 in September to Rs3,296.23 in October. However, the same quantity cost between Rs5,900 and Rs7,080 at market rates of Rs500–600 per kilogram. Consumers were therefore paying approximately Rs2,600–3,800 extra per cylinder. For low-income households, this additional expenditure comes at the expense of food, children’s education or medical treatment, while higher consumption during winter would further increase the burden.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that, according to the Planning Commission’s Annual Plan 2025–26, domestic LPG supply during FY2024–25 stood at 730,000 tonnes, equivalent to an average of 2,000 tonnes per day, while imports totalled 1.5 million tonnes. Imports accounted for approximately 67 percent of the combined volume, highlighting their importance to domestic availability. He said disruption along a major trading route, an increase in international prices or transportation delays could quickly affect Pakistan’s LPG supply chain. Mian Zahid Hussain said the September 19 suspension of border trade with Iran had affected LPG availability, while regional conflict and risks to maritime transport could also make alternative imports more expensive. He noted that OGRA’s 2023–24 report also placed daily LPG sales in Pakistan at approximately 5,000 tonnes. He urged the relevant authorities to arrange secure clearance of lawful cargo in accordance with security requirements and ensure alternative supplies. Effective coordination among the Petroleum Division, Ministry of Commerce, OGRA and Customs could reduce unnecessary delays and additional costs without compromising national security.
Mian Zahid Hussain said limited LNG availability would put pressure on industrial production and electricity supply, while interruptions in pipeline gas increased household and commercial dependence on LPG. However, LPG itself was becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. Shortages and excessive price increases would raise operating costs for restaurants, tandoors, bakeries and other small businesses, with these costs subsequently passed on through higher food and service prices. Meanwhile, additional household spending on cooking and heating fuel would reduce the amount available for other essential purchases. The continuing energy crisis could therefore increase inflation while weakening business activity.
Mian Zahid Hussain said OGRA should ensure effective compliance with daily stock-reporting requirements for LPG marketing companies and strengthen monitoring of supplies at ports, storage facilities, filling plants and in transit. Where evidence of artificial shortages, hoarding or profiteering emerge, action should be taken in accordance with the law. The allocation and distribution of locally produced LPG must also remain transparent and competitive so that import difficulties could not be used to justify excessive margins on domestic supplies.
Mian Zahid Hussain urged the government to protect consumers through transparent scrutiny of actual import, insurance and transportation costs within the pricing mechanism. He called for a coordinated winter supply plan covering demand for LNG, domestic gas and LPG, available stocks and required imports. Timely deliveries to remote areas and targeted relief for deserving households should form part of this response. He said reliable energy supplies at affordable prices were essential to protecting purchasing power, sustaining small businesses and keeping the country’s industrial wheel running.
National Bank of Pakistan Partners with Habib University Foundation to Empower Young Women Through Higher Education
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Habib University Foundation have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for talented young women from across Pakistan.
The MoU signing ceremony, held at the Habib University campus in Karachi, marks an important step in NBP’s continued efforts to support education, promote women’s empowerment and contribute to inclusive social development.
Under the partnership, NBP will support the four-year academic journey of thirteen (13) female students from across Pakistan, with preference given to students from rural and underserved areas. The initiative will help these students pursue undergraduate studies at Habib University, supporting their educational aspirations and enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naved A. Khan, Chairman, Board of Directors, NBP, said:
“At NBP, we believe that access to quality education can transform lives and open doors to greater opportunities. Our partnership with Habib University reflects our commitment to supporting talented young women, particularly those from underserved communities, in pursuing their academic ambitions. We hope this initiative will enable these students to build successful futures and contribute to the progress of their families, communities and Pakistan.”
Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig, Group Chief, Human Resource Management Group, NBP, highlighted the Bank’s longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for women, stating:
“NBP has a strong history of creating opportunities for women, both within the Bank and through initiatives that promote access to education and empowerment. By ensuring that women have access to education, we enable them to contribute meaningfully as professionals, entrepreneurs and within their communities. I hope this initiative marks the beginning of a lasting partnership that creates opportunities for many more young women.”
Ms. Saman Abbasi, Divisional Head, Capability, Culture & Corporate Impact, NBP, highlighted the importance of sustained institutional support in helping promising young individuals translate their potential into achievement. She noted that initiatives such as this demonstrate how purposeful corporate engagement can contribute to a more inclusive society and create lasting value for future generations.
Representing Habib University, President Mr. Wasif Rizvi acknowledged NBP’s support for higher education, stating: “NBP is helping ensure that talent finds its rightful place. We see this milestone as the beginning of an impactful, enduring partnership.”
The MoU was formally signed by Mr. Mohammad Tariq Rafi, Chairman, Resource Development Committee, Habib University Foundation, and Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig, Group Chief, Human Resource Management Group, NBP, in the presence of members of the Habib University Foundation Board of Directors, Habib University leadership and NBP’s senior representatives.
US FDA Approves GSK’s New Hepatitis B Drug
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved British pharmaceutical company GSK’s hepatitis B drug Hibsago, giving patients with the chronic liver infection a chance to keep the virus under control after stopping treatment.
The medicine, chemically known as bepirovirsen, is the first FDA-approved antisense oligonucleotide for chronic hepatitis B. It reduces the production of RNA and viral proteins associated with HBV, suppresses the level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood, and may stimulate the immune system to increase the chances of a durable and sustained response.
In clinical trials, nearly one in five patients who received bepirovirsen achieved undetectable levels of the hepatitis B virus and were able to remain off antiviral treatment for at least six months. The B-Well 1 and B-Well 2 trials are global multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted in 29 countries.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. Chronic hepatitis B occurs when the immune system is unable to clear the virus, resulting in long-lasting infection that affects more than 240 million people worldwide. The disease causes approximately 1.1 million deaths each year and is the leading cause of liver cancer cases globally. Existing standard treatments help only 1% to 4% of patients clear the virus for a sustained period, or achieve what doctors call a functional cure.
It is to be noted that Hibsago (bepirovirsen) has already been approved in Japan and is currently under regulatory review in China and Europe.
Islamic Investment Competition for women at Iqra University
The Iqra University Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF), in collaboration with ZLK Islamic Financial Services formally launched “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments” as a nationwide Islamic investment competition designed to promote financial literacy, responsible saving habits, Shariah-compliant investments and financial empowerment among female university students, faculty and staff across Pakistan.
Unlike conventional academic competitions, “Empowered Women, Ethical Investments” provides participants with an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to Shariah-compliant investment practices through financial literacy sessions, digital investment tools, real-time market information and guided learning activities.
Introducing the competition, he emphasized its unique approach of taking participants through a practical learning journey, beginning with financial awareness and developing saving habits, followed by informed investment decisions, responsible wealth creation and greater access to financial opportunities.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by IU CEIF, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and ICEI to strengthen international institutional collaboration in Islamic finance, financial technology, capacity building and related initiatives.
The initiative brings together prominent national and international organizations as strategic partners, including AAOIFI, UNIDO, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), SECP, Meezan Bank Limited, CDC and Al Meezan Investment Management Limited.
In this regard, a ceremony was held at Iqra University with Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of AAOIFI, Bahrain, as chief guest and Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as guest of honour.
In his welcome address, M. Farhan-Ul-Haq Usmani, Honorary Director, IU CEIF, highlighted the Centre’s commitment to advancing Islamic financial technology, financial inclusion and capacity building.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani said, “Iqra University is ranked amongst the top 1000 universities of the world by Times Higher Education (THE), alongside many global institutions. This ranking and today’s launch of the competition are milestones on the path of establishing an institution that provides world class teaching, research, industrial engagement and an international outlook.”
Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor, Iqra University, shared his views and emphasised that by uniting regulators, global institutions and industry, this MoU and competition gives women students a trusted platform to turn ethical principles into confident investment decisions and future financial leadership.
Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion, delivered a keynote address highlighting the significance of entrepreneurship, technology, investment knowledge and institutional partnerships in promoting women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner, SECP, highlighted the importance of investor education, financial awareness and women’s participation in regulated financial markets.
Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President, Meezan Bank Limited and Co-Patron of IU CEIF, shared his vision for strengthening the Islamic financial ecosystem through innovation, education and collaboration, emphasizing the potential of Islamic finance to advance financial inclusion.
In his address as Chief Guest, Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa underscored the importance of ethical and Shariah-compliant financial practices and the role of knowledge, innovation and institutional cooperation in expanding opportunities for women’s participation in the financial sector.
The top three performing teams will receive exciting prizes from IU CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners.
NFL Supports Deaf Culinary Talent
National Foods Limited, through its flagship initiative, National Foodpreneur Programme, has launched a three-month Professional Culinary Training that gives ten Deaf women and men the practical skills to build careers and livelihoods in the hospitality industry.
The initiative, launched in partnership with ConnectHear, aims to promote inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunity. With training support provided to ConnectHear by the Civil Society Human and Institutional Development Programme (CHIP), participants will receive hands-on training in various cuisines, along with food hygiene, safety and HACCP principles, and professional kitchen operations.
Commenting on the programme, Sarah Dawood, Head of Corporate Reputation, National Foods Limited, said, “National Foodpreneur by National Foods is underpinned by our vision to create food that enriches the lives of people everywhere, and our mission goes beyond the plate. As a food leader, empowering the next generation of chefs, including Persons with Disabilities, is more than teaching a craft. It is a commitment to inclusion, socioeconomic uplift, and the enduring development of our communities.”
Azima Dhanjee, CEO and Co-founder, ConnectHear, added, “Our community with disabilities has immense talent. By ensuring accessible training, sign language instruction, and trained teachers, this culinary programme gives ten Deaf individuals a pathway to professional skills and employment. It shows how thoughtful accommodations can make mainstream training accessible. We hope more organisations will bring a disability inclusion lens to their training programs and workplaces.”
The programme reflects National Foods’ focus on building a more inclusive and accessible food and hospitality industry, creating equitable pathways for persons with disabilities to pursue professional growth and greater economic independence.
easypaisa Reaffirms Commitment to Customer Protection, Extends Cooperation in Combatting Financial Fraud
As a State Bank of Pakistan-regulated digital bank, easypaisa recognises its responsibility to safeguard customer accounts, personal information, and financial transactions through a comprehensive security and fraud prevention framework.
Built on a “Trust by Design” philosophy, easypaisa ensures that security, privacy, and customer protection are embedded into its products and services from the very beginning.
To provide a secure yet seamless digital banking experience, easypaisa employs multiple layers of security, including One-Time Passwords (OTP), biometric verification integrated with NADRA’s database, liveness detection, and enhanced Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. These safeguards help verify customer identities, prevent unauthorised access, and strengthen account security while maintaining convenience for users.
As part of its proactive fraud prevention strategy, easypaisa continuously monitors for suspicious activity and alerts customers to potential risks, including failed login attempts, access from unrecognised devices, account or SIM migrations, unusual location changes, and high-risk transactions. By combining intelligent monitoring systems with customer notifications, easypaisa helps customers stay informed and protected against evolving fraud threats.
Recognising that financial data is among the most sensitive information individuals share, easypaisa remains committed to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and ethical data use.
Working closely with regulators and adhering to strict compliance, risk management, and governance standards, easypaisa has continually strengthened its Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) processes to further enhance customer protection and confidence in digital financial services.
As digital financial services continue to evolve, easypaisa remains focused on investing in advanced security controls, fraud prevention capabilities, and customer safeguards to ensure a secure, trusted, and reliable digital banking experience for millions of Pakistanis.
Iqra University Hyderabad Campus triples student body in first year
Iqra University’s Hyderabad Campus has tripled its student body in its first year. The university marked the milestone with an anniversary evening under the theme “The First of Many,” celebrating the campus’s achievements and its plans for the future.
A key academic milestone was the introduction of two new programmes in the Spring semester: the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BS AI) under the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology (FEST), and the Master of Science in Computer Science (MS Computer Science). Both reflect the campus’s commitment to equipping students with skills relevant to the evolving technology landscape.
Established in August 2025 and officially inaugurated in October 2025, the campus has quickly become a growing contributor to higher education in the region.
The event was attended by the Chief Guest, Mr. Syed Waseem Hussain, Member of the National Assembly (MNA); Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor; Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani, daughter of the late Mr. Hunaid Lakhani; and Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Campus Director of Iqra University Hyderabad Campus. Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor, Iqra University, highlighted: “Our commitment is to academic excellence and innovation. By introducing programmes like BS Artificial Intelligence and MS Computer Science, we are preparing students for future-ready learning and a rapidly changing technology landscape.”
Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani, added: “This first anniversary is a deeply meaningful milestone. It reminds us that education is a lasting legacy, and we are committed to building something here that will serve generations of students to come.”
Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, Campus Director, Iqra University Hyderabad Campus. said:
“Everything we achieved this year is the result of our campus team’s collective effort and dedication. I am grateful to every member of the team, and this is truly just the beginning.”
Beyond the classroom, the campus launched the SKILL UP initiative, including the Freelance Excellence Program, to promote practical skills and freelancing opportunities. As a venue partner for GDMUN and IDMUN, it has also supported student engagement, leadership development and collaborative learning. Workshops on leadership, personal development, AI prompt engineering, coding and fashion have given students further opportunities to build practical competencies and explore diverse interests.
The campus offers modern classrooms, a hardware laboratory, an IRC/library, a gymnasium, a medical centre and a media studio. As it enters its second year, Iqra University Hyderabad Campus looks ahead to expanding academic opportunities, achieving new milestones and creating a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Hyderabad and beyond.
MCB Bank Delivers Strong Nine-Month Performance, Supported by Robust Earnings Growth and Balance Sheet Expansion
MCB Bank Limited is pleased to announce its financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, reflecting resilient performance underpinned by strong fundamentals, disciplined execution, robust deposit mobilization, and sustained growth across key business segments amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The Board of Directors of MCB Bank, chaired by Mian Mohammad Mansha, reviewed and approved the Bank’s financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2026. The Board declared a third interim cash dividend of Rs. 9.00 per share (90%), bringing the cumulative cash dividend declared for 2026 to Rs. 27.00 per share (270%). The continued dividend distribution reflects the Bank’s strong financial position, prudent capital management, and commitment to delivering sustainable returns to shareholders.
MCB reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 86.3 billion and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 41.4 billion, translating into Earnings Per Share (EPS) of Rs. 34.95. On a consolidated basis, PBT and PAT stood at Rs. 92.7 billion and Rs. 44.3 billion, respectively. The Bank reported a Return on Assets (ROA) of 1.62% and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 22.21%, reflecting the strength of its earnings base and effective deployment of financial resources.
Total income for the period stood at Rs. 144.3 billion, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase. Net markup income increased to Rs. 114.8 billion (9M’25: Rs. 108.8 billion), supported by balance sheet growth and a lower cost of deposits resulting from sustained mobilization of current account deposits. Average current account concentration improved to 53.45% in 9M’26 from 51.28% in 9M’25, reinforcing the Bank’s low-cost funding advantage and helping offset the impact of declining yields amid a lower average policy rate of 11.07% during the period under review compared with 11.56% in the corresponding period last year.
Non-markup income increased by 14% year-on-year to Rs. 29.6 billion (9M’25: Rs. 26 billion), reflecting broad-based growth across key revenue streams. Fee and commission income rose by 26% to Rs. 17.6 billion, driven by sustained momentum in the Bank’s digital banking franchise, higher transaction volumes, and greater customer engagement. Card-related income increased by Rs. 0.704 billion, while guarantees commission and consumer finance fees grew by Rs. 0.162 billion and Rs. 0.153 billion, respectively. Foreign exchange income, dividend income, and gains on securities further contributed Rs. 5.945 billion, Rs. 2.735 billion, and Rs. 2.893 billion, respectively, to the Bank’s non-markup income base.
Operating expenses increased by 10% year-on-year, reflecting continued investment in technology initiatives, human capital, and brand development to strengthen the Bank’s long-term growth platform. Despite these investments, MCB maintained a healthy cost-to-income ratio of 38.61%, underscoring disciplined cost management and a continued focus on operational efficiency.
On the balance sheet front, total assets increased by Rs. 336 billion (10%) to Rs. 3.6 trillion at September 30, 2026, from Rs. 3.25 trillion at year-end 2025. The investment portfolio, expanded by Rs. 211 billion (10.8%) to Rs. 2.16 trillion. Gross advances increased to Rs. 819 billion, supported by improved credit uptake and the Bank’s continued focus on quality lending. The consumer financing portfolio recorded robust growth of Rs. 17 billion (34%). During 9M’26, MCB’s advances grew by 11%, compared with industry growth of 3%, increasing the Bank’s market share to 4.92% from 4.59% at year-end 2025.
Asset quality remained satisfactory, with non-performing loans (NPLs) declining by Rs. 0.71 billion to Rs. 49.05 billion at September 30, 2026, from Rs. 49.76 billion at year-end 2025. The infection ratio stood at 5.99%, while the coverage ratio improved to 93.53%, reflecting the Bank’s continued emphasis on prudent credit management, proactive monitoring of delinquent exposures, and disciplined risk management.
The Bank’s domestic operations delivered strong deposit mobilization during 9M’26. Total deposits increased by Rs. 447 billion to Rs. 2.71 trillion at September 30, 2026, from Rs. 2.26 trillion at year-end 2025. Against industry deposit growth of 9.1%, MCB’s reported deposit growth of 22.2% strengthened its market position, with market share increasing by 65 bps to 6.03%. Current deposits grew by Rs. 181 billion (15%) to Rs. 1.4 trillion, reinforcing the Bank’s focus on low-cost deposit mobilization.
MCB Bank maintained its position as one of the leading players in Pakistan’s home remittance market, with a market share of approximately 10%, processing USD 3.276 billion in remittance inflows during 9M’26. Leveraging its extensive branch network and expanding digital channels, the Bank continued to support the State Bank of Pakistan’s financial inclusion and formal remittance initiatives, contributing to foreign exchange inflows and the broader national economy.
The Bank’s capital and liquidity positions remained robust, with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) standing at 18.99% and the Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio at 14.80%, comfortably above minimum regulatory requirements. Liquidity buffers remained strong, reflected in a Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 236.29% and a Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) of 167.73%, underscoring the Bank’s capacity to meet its obligations and sustain its business operations.
MCB’s credit ratings were reaffirmed by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) at ‘AAA’ for long-term and ‘A1+’ for short-term through its notification dated June 23, 2026, reflecting the Bank’s strong financial profile and established market position.
MCB Bank operates one of the largest branch networks in Pakistan on a consolidated basis, with over 1,700 branches, and continues to rank among the leading capitalized banking stocks traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Looking ahead, MCB Bank remains well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory, supported by a strong capital base, ample liquidity, a growing deposit franchise, diversified revenue streams, and disciplined risk management. The Bank will continue to focus on strengthening customer relationships, expanding digital capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering sustainable long-term value to its shareholders.
SINA HEALTHSYSTEMS FOUNDATION Receives Certificate of Merit at Best Corporate Report Awards 2025
Recognized in the Not-for-Profit Organizations sector for its Annual Accounts 2024–25
SINA HEALTHSYSTEMS FOUNDATION has received a Certificate of Merit in the Not-for-Profit Organizations sector at the Best Corporate Report Awards 2025, organized jointly by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA Pakistan) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). The certificate was presented at the awards ceremony in Islamabad on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The recognition is for the organization’s Annual Accounts 2024–25, which were issued under its former name, SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust. Entries are reviewed by a joint evaluation committee of the two institutes, and the awards recognize organizations for the quality of their financial reporting and the presentation of their accounts.
SINA HEALTHSYSTEMS FOUNDATION operates a network of 42 primary healthcare clinics serving underserved communities in Karachi. As a donor-supported organization, its annual accounts are a key means of showing donors, partners and the public how funds are used.