Total Assets Reach PKR 7.75 Trillion
The Board of Directors of National Bank of Pakistan (“NBP” or “the Bank”) met yesterday to approve the Bank’s interim condensed financial statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2026.
Operating amid a lower interest-rate environment and following an exceptionally strong comparative 9M period, the Bank reported total income of PKR 193.6 Bn and profit after tax of PKR 48.9 Bn (earnings per share: PKR 22.98) for 9M’26. Pertinent to mention that the comparative prior year period had benefited from a reducing policy rate environment resulting in higher net interest income, and stronger capital-market gains.
Gross interest income for the period stood at PKR 562.6 Bn, down 6.4% year on year, primarily reflecting the lower average interest-rate environment. Income from the Bank’s investment portfolio amounted to PKR 427.1 Bn, with the portfolio continuing to favour shorter-duration government securities. Cost of funds stood at PKR 406.5 Bn, bringing net interest income to PKR 156.1 Bn.
Non-fund income totalled PKR 37.5 Bn. Foreign-exchange income increased by 24.3% year on year to PKR 5.9 Bn, while dividend income rose by 33.4% to PKR 5.2 Bn. Fee and commission income stood at PKR 17.9 Bn amid lower business volumes. Capital gains amounted to PKR 9.8 Bn, compared with PKR 13.3 Bn in 9M’25, when market conditions were exceptionally buoyant.
Operating expenses increased by 8.8% YoY to PKR 96.8 Bn, a slower rate of increase than the 9.3% recorded in the corresponding period last year, reflecting continued cost discipline amid inflationary pressures and ongoing investment in the Bank’s capabilities. The cost-to-income ratio stood at 50.0%, reflecting the impact of lower income on operating efficiency.
Total assets grew by 9.7% to PKR 7,753.1 Bn from PKR 7,067.0 Bn at year-end 2025. Net advances increased by 1.7% to PKR 1,360.8 Bn, while investments (at cost) rose to PKR 5,290.5 Bn, primarily through government securities. As part of its deposit strategy, the Bank rationalised certain high-cost deposits, with total deposits standing at PKR 4,012.7 Bn. The deposit base continued to demonstrate a strong composition, with core sticky deposits of PKR 3,591.1 Bn accounting for 89.5% of total deposits and current accounts of PKR 1,896.9 Bn representing 47.3%.
During the period, the Bank distributed a dividend of PKR 35 per share for 2025, amounting to PKR 74.5 Bn, delivering a significant return to shareholders. Following the payout, net assets stood at PKR 470.2 Bn and total eligible capital at PKR 478.2 Bn. The Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 21.12%, with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 16.46% and a leverage ratio of 3.69%, remaining above applicable regulatory requirements. These ratios reflect the Bank’s capital position following the substantial shareholder distribution. The Bank’s standalone credit rating of “AAA”, the highest rating awarded to a bank in Pakistan, was reaffirmed by both PACRA and VIS Credit Rating.
The Federal Government, on September 3, 2026, appointed Mr. Imran Sarwar as President & CEO for a three-year term. Commenting on the Bank’s 9M’26 performance, the President observed that NBP’s strength lies in the trust of its customers, the dedication of its people and the resilience of its balance sheet. He noted that the results reflected the prevailing interest-rate environment, while demonstrating that the Bank remained profitable, and well-capitalised, even after returning significant value to shareholders.
NBP continues to serve priority segments of the economy, including agriculture, SMEs, microfinance and Islamic banking through its Aitemaad network, while advancing its digital transformation agenda. The Bank is embedding ESG principles into its strategy, expanding green banking products and scaling up its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Since its establishment in 1949, NBP has remained committed to expanding financial inclusion and supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development. This enduring sense of responsibility continues to guide the Bank’s mission and reinforce its commitment to its tagline: Ek Azm, Ek Pehchan – National Bank Aur Pakistan.