KARACHI, October 29, 2026: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) reported a profit after tax of Rs48.9 billion for the first nine months of 2026, with earnings per share of Rs22.98. The bank recorded total income of Rs193.6 billion amid lower interest rates and a strong comparative performance in the same period last year.

NBP’s Board of Directors met on October 28 to approve the bank’s interim condensed financial statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2026.

The bank’s results reflected a lower average interest-rate environment and reduced capital-market gains compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The previous year’s results had benefited from a declining policy-rate environment that supported net interest income and stronger gains in capital markets.

Net Interest Income Reaches Rs156.1 Billion

NBP recorded gross interest income of Rs562.6 billion during the period, down 6.4% year on year. Income from its investment portfolio reached Rs427.1 billion, with the bank continuing to favour shorter-duration government securities.

The bank’s cost of funds stood at Rs406.5 billion, bringing net interest income to Rs156.1 billion.

Non-fund income totalled Rs37.5 billion. Foreign exchange income increased 24.3% year on year to Rs5.9 billion, while dividend income rose 33.4% to Rs5.2 billion.

Fee and commission income reached Rs17.9 billion amid lower business volumes. Meanwhile, capital gains fell to Rs9.8 billion from Rs13.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, when market conditions were particularly strong.

Operating Expenses Rise 8.8%

NBP’s operating expenses increased 8.8% year on year to Rs96.8 billion. The bank said the slower pace of increase, compared with 9.3% in the corresponding period last year, reflected cost discipline amid inflationary pressures and continued investment in its capabilities.

The cost-to-income ratio stood at 50%, reflecting the effect of lower income on operating efficiency.

Total Assets Grow to Rs7.75 Trillion

NBP’s total assets increased 9.7% to Rs7,753.1 billion from Rs7,067 billion at the end of 2025.

Net advances rose 1.7% to Rs1,360.8 billion, while investments at cost increased to Rs5,290.5 billion, mainly through government securities.

The bank also rationalised certain high-cost deposits as part of its deposit strategy. Total deposits stood at Rs4,012.7 billion.

Core, stable deposits amounted to Rs3,591.1 billion, representing 89.5% of total deposits. Current accounts reached Rs1,896.9 billion, accounting for 47.3% of the deposit base.

Capital Position Remains Above Regulatory Requirements

During the period, NBP distributed a dividend of Rs35 per share for 2025, amounting to Rs74.5 billion. Following the payout, the bank reported net assets of Rs470.2 billion and total eligible capital of Rs478.2 billion.

The bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 21.12%, while its Tier 1 capital ratio reached 16.46% and its leverage ratio stood at 3.69%. NBP said these ratios remained above applicable regulatory requirements following the substantial shareholder distribution.

Both PACRA and VIS Credit Rating reaffirmed NBP’s standalone credit rating at “AAA”, according to the bank.

Imran Sarwar Appointed President and CEO

On September 3, 2026, the Federal Government appointed Imran Sarwar as NBP’s President and Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term.

Commenting on the nine-month results, Sarwar said the bank’s strength rested on customer trust, employee dedication and the resilience of its balance sheet.

He noted that the results reflected prevailing interest-rate conditions while demonstrating that NBP remained profitable and well-capitalised after returning significant value to shareholders.

NBP Continues Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion Efforts

NBP continues to serve key economic segments, including agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), microfinance and Islamic banking through its Aitemaad network.

The bank is also advancing its digital transformation agenda, integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its strategy, expanding green banking products and scaling up corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Established in 1949, NBP says it remains committed to expanding financial inclusion and supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development. The bank continues to promote its tagline: “Ek Azm, Ek Pehchan – National Bank Aur Pakistan.”