Islamabad, 8 June 2025: Best Banks in Pakistan 2025, Despite turbulent policy changes and rising tax pressures, Pakistan’s top financial institutions have reported strong earnings and asset growth.
The banking industry faced a transformative year, with rising interest in Islamic banking and a renewed push for Sharia-compliant operations.
Sector Overview: Resilience Amid Rate Volatility
Best Banks in Pakistan 2025 emerged from a year shaped by fluctuating deposit rates and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Many financial institutions navigated these challenges by rebalancing portfolios and leveraging government-issued Sukuks. However, elevated taxes stemming from low Advance-to-Deposit Ratios (ADR) put added pressure on margins.
READ MORE: SBP Updates Capital Rule for Microfinance Banks
Banks also diversified income streams by channeling deposits toward private sector lending. Even institutions promoting ethical finance models, like Islamic banks, adjusted strategies to preserve returns.
Stock Market Spotlight
The financial sector drew strong interest at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with share values and trading volumes climbing. Cumulative profits across the industry topped Rs. 600 billion in 2024, while tax contributions outpaced earnings at over Rs. 650 billion.
Leading Banks Performance Table: 2024
| Rank | Bank Name | Profit (Rs. bn) | EPS (Rs.) | Dividend (Rs.) | Pre-Tax Profit (Rs. bn) | Tax Paid (Rs. bn) |
| 1 | Meezan Bank | 101.5 | 57 | 28 | 222 | 121 |
| 2 | United Bank Ltd (UBL) | 75.7 | 61 | 44 | 150 | 74.3 |
| 3 | MCB Bank | 57.6 | 48 | 36 | 118.4 | 60 |
| 4 | HBL | 57.8 | 38 | 16.5 | 120 | 62.5 |
| 5 | Standard Chartered | 46 | 11.9 | 9 | 100 | 54 |
| 6 | Allied Bank | 43 | – | 16 | 87 | 44.8 |
| 7 | Bank Al Habib | 39 | – | 17 | 83.8 | 43.9 |
| 8 | Bank Alfalah | 38.3 | – | 8.5 | 83 | 44.7 |
| 9 | National Bank (NBP) | 26.8 | 12 | 8 | 56.6 | 29.8 |
| 10 | Habib Metro Bank | 24.6 | – | 12 | 56.7 | 27.9 |
Top Performers: Highlights from the Sector
Meezan Bank: Leading with Record Profits
Best Banks in Pakistan 2025 starts with Meezan Bank, which posted a landmark Rs. 101.5 billion in profit, setting a record in the banking and corporate sectors. With a pre-tax profit of Rs. 222 billion, its tax contributions reached Rs. 121 billion. Annual EPS rose to Rs. 57, and the bank rewarded shareholders with a Rs. 28 dividend.
United Bank Limited: A Strong Comeback
UBL regained its position as the second most profitable bank. Profits jumped 34% year-on-year to Rs. 75.7 billion. The bank also intensified its pivot to Islamic banking, transitioning operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to Sharia-compliant models.
MCB Bank: Slight Decline, Strong Fundamentals
MCB slipped to third place, recording Rs. 57.6 billion in profit, a drop from the previous year. EPS declined slightly, yet the bank maintained a generous Rs. 36 dividend.
HBL: Stability Amid Change
Despite falling to fourth position, HBL posted flat earnings of Rs. 57.8 billion. The bank’s deposit base expanded to Rs. 4.4 trillion, with its balance sheet touching Rs. 6.1 trillion.
Standard Chartered: Historic Highs
Standard Chartered Pakistan climbed to fifth position, achieving its highest-ever profit at Rs. 46 billion. It is reportedly exploring a shift toward Islamic banking to align with emerging sector trends.
READ MORE: Pakistan Secures $1B Loan from 2 Banks
Other Noteworthy Mentions
- Allied Bank Limited reported its all-time best earnings of Rs. 43 billion, ranking sixth.
- Bank Al Habib posted Rs. 39 billion in profits and rose to seventh place.
- Bank Alfalah followed closely with Rs. 38.3 billion, showing modest growth.
- National Bank of Pakistan saw a steep decline, falling to ninth position with Rs. 26.8 billion in earnings.
- Habib Metro Bank rounded out the top ten with Rs. 24.6 billion in profits.
Future Outlook: Islamic Banking Set to Dominate
The industry is preparing for a significant transition. With the 26th constitutional amendment mandating a shift away from interest-based finance by 2028, many institutions are investing in Sharia-compliant operations. Banks with strong Islamic divisions or plans for full conversion are likely to hold a competitive edge in the years ahead.
