Bank of Punjab: PACRA Upgrades BOP to AAA Credit Rating
The Bank of Punjab becomes Pakistan’s first provincial bank to secure the country’s highest long-term credit rating following strong growth in deposits and profitability.
The Bank of Punjab headquarters after PACRA upgraded the bank to a AAA long-term credit rating.
LAHORE: Bank of Punjab has been upgraded to a long-term entity rating of AAA by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA), becoming the first provincial bank in Pakistan to receive the country’s highest credit rating.
PACRA raised the bank’s long-term rating from AA+ to AAA, while affirming its short-term rating at A1+ with a Stable Outlook.
According to the bank, the upgrade reflects a stronger deposit base, higher profitability and disciplined risk management. During 2025, BOP’s total deposits exceeded PKR 2 trillion, while operating profit before credit loss allowance increased by 98.5% to **PKR 40.7 billion.
The bank attributed the improvement to a healthier deposit mix, lower funding costs and stronger core earnings, supported by prudent financial management and improved operational efficiency.
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Commenting on the achievement, BOP President and Chief Executive Officer Zafar Masud said the AAA rating demonstrates the bank’s commitment to disciplined and professional banking practices.
He said the bank has built a commercially strong institution that delivers sustainable value for shareholders while supporting financial inclusion, responsible banking and economic development in Punjab and across Pakistan.
BOP highlighted its role in digital banking and priority-sector financing, including lending for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, women’s financial inclusion and affordable housing.
The bank also pointed to its participation in several Government of Punjab initiatives, including Asaan Karobar, Kissan Card, Livestock Card and Apni Chat Apna Ghar, which aim to expand access to formal financial services for entrepreneurs, farmers, women and first-time borrowers.
The bank acknowledged the Government of Punjab, its majority shareholder, for its continued support and strategic guidance in strengthening the institution’s growth and governance.
Zafar Masud also thanked the Government of Punjab, the Board of Directors, customers, regulators, shareholders and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for their confidence in the bank. He credited BOP employees for their professionalism and dedication, saying the institution remains committed to maintaining its growth momentum.
The Bank of Punjab said it will continue to focus on responsible growth, digital innovation, financial inclusion, strong capital management and delivering long-term value for customers and stakeholders.
