The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that banks cannot block or freeze citizens’ bank accounts without a verified legal justification, emphasizing the protection of account holders’ rights and due process. The ruling was issued by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir in a case involving a private bank that blocked a citizen’s account during an inquiry […]
banking sector
Robots to be tested for customer service in banking sector
A collaboration between LUMS University and Allied Bank aims to explore the use of robotics and human-robot interaction (HRI) in banking services, with trials expected in customer-facing environments. Officials said the agreement was signed between the bank’s group head for digital transformation and innovation, Muhammad Zaman, and Dr Suleman Shahid, associate professor and director of […]
Pakistan banks shift focus from private lending to government debt
Pakistan’s banking sector has significantly reduced lending to businesses, with private sector credit now accounting for only 22 percent of total assets as of March 2026. This shift reflects a growing preference among banks to finance government borrowing, as they seek lower-risk investment opportunities and stable returns in an uncertain economic environment. Total banking assets […]
The Bank of Punjab delivers yet another record-breaking quarterly performance in Q1 2026
155% Profit Growth Driven by Core Earnings, Strategic Expansion & Digital Innovation LAHORE, Pakistan – April 27, 2026 – The Bank of Punjab (BOP), one of Pakistan’s leading public sector commercial banks, today announced exceptional financial results for Q1 2026, reflecting strong growth momentum, sound business performance, and an expanding role in Pakistan’s banking sector. […]
SBP launches Cyber Shield to boost banking security
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched “Cyber Shield”, a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s financial sector against rising cyber threats and aligning protections with global best practices. Read More: SBP governor flags rising cyber risks to banking sector Announced under the central bank’s Vision 2028 agenda, the initiative sets a phased […]
SBP governor flags rising cyber risks to banking sector
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad on Friday warned that the cyber threat landscape facing the financial sector has grown increasingly complex, driven by highly skilled and well-resourced threat actors and compounded by rising geopolitical tensions. Read More: SBP cancels license of exchange company on regulatory violations Speaking at a ceremony marking the completion […]
SBP cancels licence of another exchange company
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has cancelled the licence of Glaxy Exchange (Private) Limited for what it described as serious violations of regulatory instructions, marking the first such action against an exchange company in 2026 and adding to a growing list of firms forced out of the market. Read More: SBP cancels license of exchange […]
Government borrowing pattern reverses in first half of FY26
The federal government borrowing from banks has reversed course in the first half of fiscal year 2026 (FY26) , with Rs672 billion raised so far, compared to net debt retirement during the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Read More: Big push for affordable housing: Rs5 […]
PSX rallies as banks, cement, and energy stocks boost confidence
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its overnight gains in the weekend session, with banks, oil and gas, and cement stocks driving the benchmark index above 162,000 points before closing slightly below that level. The KSE-100 index gained 1,277.69 points, or 0.8 percent, to finish at 161,935.19, according to Topline Securities. Analysts attributed the […]
Meezan Bank wins top honour as Pakistan Banking Awards spotlight sector challenges
KARACHI: Meezan Bank Ltd was crowned the country’s best bank for the third time at the 10th Pakistan Banking Awards held on Friday, as industry leaders gathered to celebrate excellence while also hearing strong calls for reform from the central bank. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad, who served as chief guest, praised […]