Author: Press Release

Get ready for an exciting day of family-friendly entertainment as the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosts a vibrant Family Festival on March 29th, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The festival is designed to offer something for everyone, bringing together a lively mix of activities, entertainment, and culinary experiences. Families can look forward to interactive play zones for kids, ensuring a fun and engaging environment for younger attendees.

Adding to the festive spirit, the event will feature a food court showcasing some of Islamabad’s biggest brands, alongside a variety of stalls hosted by well-known vendors, offering unique products and treats.

The day will be packed with fun activities and entertainment, highlighted by live performances from Bilal Saeed and Annie Khalid, promising an unforgettable musical experience. The event will be hosted by Ahmed Godil, keeping the energy high throughout the day.

Tickets for the Family Festival are available online via Bookkaru, and can also be purchased on-site at the venue.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a day filled with music, food, shopping, and family fun — all under one roof at PNCA.

For further information and ticket bookings, visit Bookkaru or purchase tickets at the venue on the event day.

The board has recommended a final cash dividend of Rs. 1.70 per share, bringing total FY2025 payout to Rs. 3.20 per share (32%)

The Bank of Khyber (BOK), in its 203rd Board of Directors meeting held today at Peshawar, announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Bank delivered an outstanding performance, posting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of PKR 5.82 billion, a robust 61% increase over PKR 3.62 billion in FY2024, the highest profit in the Bank’s history. Earnings per share grew from Rs. 3.12 to Rs. 5.02, reflecting strong earnings momentum, disciplined cost management, and continued execution of the Bank’s transformation strategy.

 

Performance Overview

Total income for the year reached PKR 23.1 billion, a 26.6% increase from PKR 18.3 billion in FY2024. Net mark-up income grew by 15.2% to PKR 19.0 billion, underpinned by prudent asset-liability management and an improved earning asset mix. Non-markup income more than doubled to PKR 4.1 billion (FY2024: PKR 1.8 billion), driven by strong fee and commission income of PKR 1.07 billion and significant gain on securities of PKR 2.3 billion, reflecting active treasury management.

Operating expenses were contained at PKR 11.7 billion, growing at only 11.3% — materially below the income growth rate of 26.6% — resulting in significant positive operating leverage and a markedly improved cost-to-income ratio. Profit Before Taxation surged 51% to PKR 12.3 billion (FY2024: PKR 8.1 billion).

The Bank’s balance sheet remained sound with total assets of PKR 453.3 billion as at December 31, 2025. Advances stood at PKR 126.7 billion while the investment portfolio reached PKR 275.0 billion. Net assets (equity) grew to PKR 23.7 billion from PKR 21.9 billion in FY2024, reinforcing the Bank’s capital adequacy position.

Leadership Recognition

The Bank of Khyber’s record FY2025 performance is the culmination of a sustained leadership legacy and a confident new chapter. The Bank owes a deep debt of gratitude to former Chairman Mr. Ikramullah Khan, whose tenure laid the strategic and governance foundations upon which these results have been built. 

As the Bank enters a new and exciting phase, incoming Chairman Mr. Islam Zeb brings with him a fresh strategic vision and a forward-looking mandate that is already energizing the institution. His appointment signals the Board’s intent to build on past achievements while charting an ambitious course for BOK’s next era. In tandem, Managing Director Mr. Hassan Raza, whose dynamic stewardship has been central to this year’s landmark results, continues to spearhead the Bank’s transformation agenda with exceptional drive and clarity of purpose.  

The Bank of Khyber also extends its sincere gratitude and acknowledgement to Chief Secretary KP Mr. Shahab Ali Shah and Finance Advisor to CM, Mr. Muzzammil Aslam for their continued patronage, institutional support, and confidence. Their commitment to strengthening KP’s financial ecosystem and their active encouragement of BOK’s role as the province’s premier development-oriented commercial bank have been a source of strength and motivation for the entire organisation. The Bank remains deeply committed to fulfilling its mandate as a trusted financial partner to the Government and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.  

Statement from the Managing Director

“These results represent a watershed moment for Bank of Khyber. A 61% growth in profit after tax reflects, not only our strengthened core banking but also the accelerating returns from our transformation strategy. Our total dividend payout of Rs. 3.20 per share for FY2025 is a testament to the Board’s confidence in the Bank’s sustainable earnings capacity and our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders. We enter 2026 with strong fundamentals and a clear strategic direction.”

— Mr. Hassan Raza, Managing Director, The Bank of Khyber

 

For Media & Investor Relations Enquiries:

Corporate Communications Division | The Bank of Khyber

UAN: (091) 111 95 95 95  |  www.bok.com.pk  |  BOK Tower, 24-The Mall, Peshawar Cantt.

Etihad Town launched its much-anticipated Phase-III Commercial at a well-attended event held at the project site, marking another milestone in Lahore’s expanding commercial real estate sector.

The event was attended by Director Etihad Town Mr. Raheel Munir, alongside Chief Operating Officer Etihad Town Sheikh ShujaUllah Khan, Project Sponsor Malik Mudassar Khokhar, and members of Etihad Town’s senior management. 

The launch ceremony was hosted by prominent media personalities Waseem Badami and Vasay Chaudhary, while senior journalist Mansoor Ali Khan was also present at the occasion. Investors, business leaders, and real estate stakeholders attended the event in large numbers.

Phase-III Commercial has been introduced as an extension of Phase-II Pine Avenue Commercial, which sold out within two weeks last year, reflecting strong market demand for premium commercial developments. 

The new inventory features major commercial corridors on 150-foot-wide Pine Avenue Commercial Road and 300-foot-wide Jhelum Commercial Road, positioning the project among the city’s most prominent commercial destinations.

The 150-foot-wide Pine Avenue Road originates from Chatri Chowk, passes through Lake City and Jia Bagga, runs through Etihad Town Phase-II and Phase-III, and connects directly to Ferozepur Road, significantly enhancing accessibility and long-term commercial value.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh ShujaUllah Khan, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Town, said the project reflects the company’s vision of developing future-ready commercial hubs. He added that following the strong response to Pine Avenue Commercial, the expansion into Phase III offers investors wider roads, improved connectivity, and structured commercial plots with flexible payment options, while maintaining the company’s focus on timely delivery and transparency.

A key highlight of Phase-III Commercial is the introduction of structured road commercial investment with a 3-year payment plan, being offered for the first time in Pakistan. Unlike conventional structured road developments that require large plot sizes and heavy upfront payments, Etihad Town has introduced smaller, more accessible commercial inventory, providing investors greater financial flexibility.

Based on the rapid sell-out of Phase-II, Phase-III Commercial has been positioned as a limited-time opportunity, with expectations of strong demand. Established in 2017, Etihad Town has launched nine projects, with four already delivered and a fifth scheduled to be delivered on January 31st, earning a reputation as one of Pakistan’s most trusted real estate developers through its commitment to “Delivery Before Time.”

TIE Islamabad (The Indus Entrepreneurs) has announced the successful conclusion of its chapter elections, with Mr. Yawar Siddiqui elected as President for the term 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.

The announcement marks an important milestone for the organization as it enters a new phase of leadership focused on strengthening and scaling entrepreneurial impact across Pakistan.

TiE Islamabad is the local chapter of TIE Global, a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, education, networking, and access to capital. The chapter has played a pivotal role in supporting Pakistan’s startup ecosystem through initiatives such as the Pakistan StartUp Cup, enabling founders to gain global exposure and connect with a worldwide network of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

Commenting on the transition, Mr. Yawar Siddiqui, Co-Founder of RepStack, a rapidly growing HR services company ranked among the 66th fastest-growing HR companies in the United States and recognized by Inc. 5000, stated that the new office will carry forward TiE’s long-standing mission of empowering entrepreneurs.

He emphasized continued focus on structured mentoring, high-quality educational programs, and ecosystem development, reaffirming TIE Islamabad’s commitment to fostering innovation, building sustainable businesses, and creating long-term economic value through globally competitive ventures.

In a meeting held on October 30, 2025, the Board of Directors of The Bank of Punjab (BOP) approved the un-audited financial statements for the nine months ended on September 30, 2025. The Board lauded the exceptional performance of the Bank, which has not only exceeded expectations but also delivered unprecedented financial results across all key performance areas.

Despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop—marked by declining interest rates and rising operating costs across the industry—the Bank sustained margin pressures and achieved exceptional financial performance. Operating profit reached Rs. 28.52 billion, reflecting a remarkable 156% increase over the same period last year. Net Interest Income grew by 91% to Rs. 58.46 billion, reaffirming the Bank’s ability to generate strong core earnings. Fee & Commission Income also posted healthy growth of 31%, driven by diversification of revenue streams and deepening client engagement across retail, corporate, and Islamic banking segments.

Operational efficiency remained a central focus, with a notable improvement in the cost-to-income ratio. This was underpinned by disciplined expense management and productivity gains across business lines. Profit Before Tax rose by 81% to Rs. 26.40 billion, compared to Rs. 14.61 billion in the same period last year. Earnings per share increased to Rs. 3.65 from Rs. 2.57, despite the impact of a higher effective tax rate of 53%. These results underscore the Bank’s financial resilience and commitment to creating sustainable value for shareholders.

The Balance Sheet remained robust and well-capitalized, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17.43%. Total Assets stood at Rs. 2,536 billion, while Total Deposits grew 20% year-on-year to Rs. 1,885 billion. Current Deposits rose by an impressive 35% year-on-year, reflecting strong customer confidence and the success of targeted deposit-mobilization initiatives. Gross Advances reached Rs. 837 billion, while Total Investments and Lending to Financial Institutions amounted to Rs. 1,463 billion—highlighting a prudent, diversified asset allocation strategy. Exposure under government-sponsored schemes in agriculture, SME, and affordable housing segments remained fully secured through substantial first-loss guarantees, with exceptionally strong recovery levels of 97.5% to 100%, supported by robust collection mechanisms. Liquidity buffers were maintained at comfortable levels, ensuring resilience in volatile market conditions.

BOP continues to serve as a key partner of the Government of Punjab (GoPb) in advancing transformative development and social-uplift initiatives spearheaded by the Honorable Chief Minister, Ms. Maryum Nawaz Sharif. Flagship programs include the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Scheme, CM Punjab Kissan Card, CM Punjab Livestock Card, CM Punjab Petrol/Electric Bike Program, and Apni Chat Apna Ghar, among others. Through these initiatives, the Bank is enabling financial inclusion, empowering farmers and small businesses, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

In addition, the Bank has been entrusted with the large-scale disbursement of financial relief to flood-affected communities, while also maintaining a leadership position in Federal Government-sponsored schemes.

This record-breaking performance is a testament to the Bank’s clear strategic vision, disciplined execution, and unwavering commitment to value creation. By prioritizing innovation, digital transformation, and a customer-centric approach, BOP has positioned itself for sustained growth. These achievements reaffirm the strength of its business model and its ability to adapt effectively to evolving market dynamics, while consistently delivering value to all stakeholders.

Nestlé Pakistan delivered a strong growth of 19.2% for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, benefiting from a lower comparative base post implementation of sales tax on majority of the portfolio effective from 1st of July 2024.

This resulted in nine- month sales of PKR 150.8 billion, reflecting an increase of 1.1% compared to the corresponding period last year.

A favorable product mix and value chain optimization initiatives led to an improvement in gross and operating profit margins. Furthermore, reduced borrowing coupled with reduction in interest rate led to lower finance cost, aiding an improvement in net profit.

The results were announced following a meeting of the Board of Directors at the Company’s Head Office.

On the back of relatively stable macroeconomic situation and low inflation, management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook on business performance for the remainder of the year, while keeping its focus on opportunities to drive efficiency across the value chain and delivering quality products to our consumers.”

The Bank of Khyber (BoK) has officially launched its Mastercard Debit Card portfolio at an exclusive ceremony held at the Bank’s Boardroom in Gulberg Greens. The event was attended by Mr. Hassan Raza, Managing Director & CEO of BoK,  along with Senior Management of BOK, & Mr. Arslan Khan Country Manager Mastercard Pakistan & Afghanistan. 

This launch marks a pivotal milestone in BoK’s retail and digital banking strategy. The Mastercard Debit Card portfolio includes Classic, Gold, and Platinum tiers, offering customers secure, seamless, and globally accepted payment solutions tailored to their everyday needs.

During the ceremony, a live transaction demonstration was carried out on a KuickPay POS terminal, symbolizing the official go-live of the BoK Mastercard Debit Card. Shields were presented to partners for their collaboration in delivering this initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hassan Raza, Managing & CEO of BoK, stated: “With the launch of the Mastercard Debit Card, we are opening new doors for our customers to enjoy convenience, security, and access to global commerce. This partnership with Mastercard demonstrates our commitment to providing cutting-edge financial solutions while continuing our journey of digital transformation.”

Mr. Arslan Khan, Country Manager Pakistan & Afghanistan, Mastercard, added: “We are delighted to partner with the Bank of Khyber to launch the Mastercard Debit Card portfolio. With BoK’s strong customer base and digital focus, this initiative has great potential to accelerate financial inclusion and drive digital payment adoption in Pakistan.”

Currently, BoK proudly serves 719,000 total account holders, alongside a rapidly expanding base of 150,000 digital banking app users. These figures not only highlight the Bank’s strong market presence but also showcase significant growth potential through this strategic collaboration with Mastercard.

The ceremony concluded with a red-carpet photo opportunity, shield presentations, and a networking lunch, with floral décor and premium branding underscoring the importance of the occasion.

About Bank of Khyber

Established in 1991, The Bank of Khyber is owned by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and operates a network of branches nationwide. BoK is committed to providing both Islamic and conventional banking services, driving digital innovation, and empowering customers through financial inclusion.

(Lahore) On the instructions of the Managing Director Sui Northern Gas, the Company has constituted special emergency response teams to deal promptly with any situation arising from the recent flood conditions across the country.

With the forecast of high-level flooding in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers, Sui Northern Gas field staff have has placed on round-the-clock alert in Lahore, Narowal, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Bahawalpur and adjoining areas. Continuous monitoring is being carried out to safeguard the gas infrastructure and ensure smooth gas supply to the consumers.

As a precautionary measure, gas supply in areas affected by flooding may be temporarily suspended if required to prevent any risk to life or property. This decision would be taken strictly to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain the integrity of the system.

The public is being appealed to fully cooperate with the teams operating in the field. This cooperation is vital to ensure that all preventive and corrective measures can be implemented swiftly and effectively.

Released by
Media Affairs Department
Sui Northern Gas

Mr. Rashid Ashraf, Chief Executive Officer of ACE Money Transfer, conducted a series of strategic meetings in Islamabad with the Honorable Finance Minister, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior government officials to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s Financial infrastructure and enhancing formal remittance inflows.

A key focus of discussion was the development of structured incentive programs to encourage overseas Pakistanis to remit funds through official channels. Stakeholders reviewed strategic pathways to increase annual remittance volume to USD 50 billion within five years – a target aligned with Pakistan’s broader economic ambitions.

Mr Ashraf underscored the importance of fostering greater collaboration across financial institutions—including banks, exchange houses, EMIs, and other stakeholders—through a unified digital framework. This approach, he noted, would reduce reliance on informal cash-based systems, enhance PKR retention domestically, and contribute to the documentation of the economy. A strategic roadmap was shared on how remittances could be more effectively integrated into national economic planning.

In a separate engagement with the Honorable Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr Attaullah Tarar, the dialogue centered on strengthening public awareness around the significance of legal remittances. Mr.  Ashraf reiterated ACE’s commitment to supporting the Prime Minister’s digitization agenda, offering the company’s technological expertise in areas such as data governance, real-time consumer insights, and merchant network expansion. These capabilities, he noted, can play a vital role in shaping informed, data-driven policymaking.

Further consultations were held with the Honorable Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Mr Salik Hussain, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Ihsan ul Haq Bajwa. The discussions highlighted the role of overseas communities as key contributors to national development. Topics included formalizing undocumented migration and money transfer channels, enhancing the arrival experience at ports of entry, and introducing state-led recognition initiatives for overseas Pakistanis who make significant contributions in their respective fields.

Speaking after the meetings, Mr Rashid Ashraf stated,“We are proud to support Pakistan’s economic future by promoting legal remittance flows. Encouraging formal, transparent channels not only strengthens the economy but directly benefits millions of families. ACE remains committed to working alongside the Government of Pakistan to accelerate financial inclusion, digitization, and long-term economic resilience.”

About ACE Money Transfer

ACE Money Transfer, headquartered in Manchester, UK, is a leading provider of online remittance services, trusted by millions of customers globally. With an extensive network of 375,000+ payout locations across 100+ countries, ACE delivers secure, fast, and reliable money transfer solutions tailored to meet the needs of expatriates and migrant workers.

ACE Money Transfer was named “The Best FinTech App” at the UK Business Awards 2024 and also received a major recognition from the State Bank of Pakistan, ranking ACE as the Fourth Largest Global Fintech by Remittance Volumes to Pakistan. These accolades underscore ACE’s growing influence on the global remittance landscape and reaffirm its position as a trusted digital financial services provider.

ACE plays a critical role in channeling remittances through formal and transparent financial systems—supporting Pakistan’s economic stability and the livelihoods of millions of families. Together, these honors mark a significant milestone in ACE’s journey to drive inclusive financial solutions and reinforce its commitment to serving diaspora communities worldwide with secure, affordable, and always-accessible money transfer services.