Lahore: The Bank of Punjab (BOP) has been upgraded to a long-term entity rating of AAA from AA+ by The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA), with the shortterm rating held at A1+ and a Stable Outlook. BOP becomes the first and only provincial bank in Pakistan to achieve the nation’s highest credit rating, a milestone built on a stronger deposit franchise, rising profitability and disciplined risk management.
The numbers tell the story. In 2025, BOP’s deposits crossed PKR 2 trillion, while operating profit before credit loss allowance nearly doubled, rising 98.5% to PKR 40.7 billion. The driver: a sharply improved deposit mix and a substantially lower cost of funds, translating into stronger core earnings, tighter costs and prudent risk stewardship.
“AAA is more than a rating, it is proof of what disciplined, professional banking can build,” said Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab. “We have created a commercially strong institution that delivers sustainable value for shareholders while staying true to financial inclusion, responsible banking and the development of Punjab and Pakistan.”
BOP is Pakistan’s leading digital lender and a frontrunner in priority-sector finance, SME, agriculture, women’s financial inclusion and housing. Through flagship Government of Punjab programmes such as Asaan Karobar, Kissan Card, Page 1 of 2 Livestock Card and Apni Chat Apna Ghar, the Bank has opened formal financial access to entrepreneurs, farmers, women and first-time borrowers across the province.
The Bank thanks its majority sponsor, the Government of Punjab, whose confidence and strategic guidance have strengthened BOP’s institutional capacity and anchored its role in the province’s growth and inclusion agenda.
“This achievement belongs to our people,” Mr. Masud added. “We are grateful to the Government of Punjab, our Board of Directors, customers, regulators, shareholders and above all to our Honourable Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif Saheba, for her faith in BOP and its unmatched team. The professionalism and hard work of our employees made this possible, and we are determined to sustain this momentum and keep delivering results worthy of the trust placed in us.”
BOP reaffirms its commitment to responsible growth, strong capital, customercentric digital innovation, financial inclusion and lasting value for all stakeholders. The Bank of Punjab is the country’s largest SME, agriculture, low cost housing and women-entrepreneurship lender, its largest credit card issuer, and its leading digital lender.