​Maya Inayat Ismail - Chair, HBL Microfinance Bank and HBL Sustainability Committee (left) and Maria Smith – Chief Impact Officer, BII (right) signed the agreement between BII and HBL. Senior members from both organizations were also present on this occasion.

Funding from the facility will be directed towards the agriculture sector, which contributes 24 per cent to Pakistan’s GDP and employs 37 per cent of its workforce.

The facility will mainly support smallholder farmers, including those in dairy and poultry farming, who often lack access to finance.

Farmers vulnerable to climate change impacts, will receive support to adopt sustainable practices, enhancing their resilience, yields and incomes.

(BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, today announced a $75 million finance facility with HBL, Pakistan’s leading bank. The new facility will support farmers and agribusinesses in Pakistan by providing increased access to essential finance and enhancing their resilience to climate change.

Pakistan, Karachi – 10 March 2025:

The agriculture sector is vital for Pakistan’s economic growth, food security, and the livelihoods of many, contributing 24 per cent to the GDP and employing 37 per cent of the workforce, including being the largest employer of women. However, the sector faces numerous challenges such as limited access to finance, modern machinery, and equipment, increased vulnerability to climate change, and underdeveloped value chains.

With this financing, HBL plans to expand its agriculture portfolio, dedicating 50 per cent of the funds to smallholder farmers who constitute over 90 per cent of Pakistan’s farming population. Agribusinesses throughout the agricultural value chain, from production to logistics, will also be supported to strengthen the entire sector, ensuring long-term growth and stability.

Furthermore, the Bank will promote climate adaptation initiatives such as solar-powered irrigation systems, to reduce emissions and bolster farmers’ resilience to environmental challenges.

By improving access to finance and the integration of farmers and agribusinesses into value chains and markets as well as increasing their resilience to climate change, this partnership seeks to boost productivity in the agriculture sector and support food security in Pakistan.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said: “The agriculture sector is critical for Pakistan’s economic growth, food security, and the livelihoods of many. This UK partnership will help overcome financial barriers to investing in climate-proof farming practices and contributing to this important part of the economy.”

Habib Yousuf, Regional Director for South Asia at BII said: “BII is proud to partner with HBL to enhance the resilience and productivity of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. By increasing access to essential finance and promoting climate adaptation measures, this partnership aims to address critical challenges in the sector, ensuring sustainable growth, improved livelihoods, and food security for the nation.”

Maya Inayat Ismail, Chairperson, HBL Sustainability Forum commented: “At HBL, sustainability is a core principle embedded across our operations—from inclusive financial services to responsible supply chain management. Through climate-smart financing and yield insurance programs we are helping farmers mitigate risks from climate change, ensuring financial security and long-term resilience. Our partnership with BII strengthens these efforts, driving sustainable impact where it matters most.”

Notes to editors

For media inquiries please contact:

farhan.ahmed3@hbl.com

press@bii.co.uk

About British International Investment

British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, BII invests to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in over 1,580 businesses across 65 countries and total net assets of £8.5 billion.

BII has been investing in Pakistan since 1988, supporting high-impact sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, financial services, food and agriculture. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X.

About HBL

HBL was the first Pakistani commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network and maintained its position as the leading private sector bank in Pakistan with 1700+ branches, serving over 37 million clients worldwide. With a presence across major trade zones in the world, the Bank is recognized as the leading financial institution in the country for its client-centric innovation in financial services.

Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL, (standing 4th from left), Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor - State Bank of Pakistan, (standing 5th from left) and Chen Way Siew, Financial Institutions, Network & Transit Partnerships Lead – Google, (standing 6th from left) at the Google Wallet Launch event held at HBL Tower in Karachi. Other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Pakistan, Karachi – 19 February 2025:

Starting today, HBL cardholders can add their credit/debit cards to Google Wallet on both Android and Wear OS devices, reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to innovative and secure digital payment solutions.

HBL is the largest card issuer in Pakistan, with over 7 million cardholders. The Bank also leads in transaction volumes, with HBL Cards consistently recording the highest spend in the market.

This strategic collaboration with Google aims to provide users with a smooth and efficient digital payment experience. With Google Wallet, HBL clients can now add their Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards digitally, enabling fast and secure contactless payments in stores, within apps, and online via Google Pay.

Aamir Kureshi, Head of Products, Transactional Services & Solution Delivery, HBL commented on the launch: “We are pleased to bring Google Wallet for our clients in Pakistan. This initiative underscores our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance the banking experience by offering both convenience and security.”

“Pakistan’s digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly, and with more people embracing digital transactions, Google Wallet provides a secure, seamless, and efficient way to make payments, shop, and travel. It will enable Pakistanis to tap-and-pay in stores, check out seamlessly online, and easily access their boarding passes when they travel. Google Wallet helps keep everything protected in one place, no matter where they go. More importantly, this launch will go a long way in supporting financial inclusion in Pakistan and unlock economic opportunities for all. This milestone further cements Google’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan, reinforcing our belief in its digital future and potential,” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director for Google Pakistan.

The introduction of Google Wallet in Pakistan aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to embrace digital financial solutions. Google Wallet is now available for download on Android devices via the Google Play Store.

Download Google wallet:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel

Karachi, Pakistan – 3 April 2025

The HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, posted a reading of 52.7 in March, down from 54.0 in February. A figure above 50 denotes an expansion in activity and below it signifies a contraction.

Humaira Qamar – Head of Equities & Research stated “This was the lowest reading since Sep’24 but remained within the expansion territory. The pace of expansion slowed due to a softer rise in New Orders and Manufacturing Output. New orders & output grew at a slower rate but remained robust, flashing early signs of demand resilience in the economy”

The latest expansion in new orders is driven not only by a recovery in domestic demand but also by rising foreign demand for Pakistani goods. New export orders expanded for the seventh consecutive month and firms credited this to improved quality standards.

Humaira pointed out that the recent dip in goods exports is not concerning. “The recent broad-based decline in goods exports observed in February appears transitory and this was most likely attributable to the fewer number of days during the month.”

The March PMI release comes a week after the latest GDP statistics from PBS. The core advantage of the PMI is its ability to provide up-to-date, accurate and often unique monthly indicators of economic trends while GDP is quarterly and typically lags by a period of 3-5 months.

Humaira acknowledged that GDP growth remains on the weaker side but there are early signs of growth returning and the sector’s outlook remains positive. Her optimism is shared by the survey participants.

“Despite weaker hard data, with PBS recently reporting a 0.2% contraction in industrial activity during October-December 2024, the sectors outlook remains positive. The confidence of survey participants was associated with expectations of easing price pressures as well as accommodative economic and taxation policies.”

Karachi, Pakistan – 10 April 2025 

The most awaited sporting event of the year, HBLPSL, is back for its landmark season HBLPSL X, celebrating a decade of HBLPSL. Kicking off on 11 April 2025 in Rawalpindi, the tournament will feature thrilling matches across four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The final is set to take place on 18 May 2025 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

HBL has sponsored the League since its inception in 2016 and in 2025 it completes its decade-long association. HBLPSL has played a transformative role in both cricket and nation building. As the biggest sporting event in the country, HBLPSL has played a key role in re-igniting the passion for cricket in the nation. It not only provides a platform to young cricketers to be a part of the international cricket circle but also brings international cricketers to Pakistan.

Commenting on the significance of this milestone, Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – HBL, said, “HBL is proud to have been the founding sponsors of this tournament, delighting tens of millions of Pakistanis in Pakistan and across the globe. This year, HBL is celebrating a decade of HBLPSL with the theme ‘Zabar دس Khel’. HBLPSL season ten is proof that Pakistan possesses the passion, the commitment and the skill to hold events of international standards.”

HBLPSL 2016 - 2024 Winners

• HBLPSL 1 (2016)
  Season Winner – Islamabad United

  Player of the Tournament – Ravi Bopara
  (Karachi Kings)

• HBLPSL 4 (2019)
  Season Winner – Quetta Gladiators

  Player of the Tournament – Shane Watson
  (Quetta Gladiators)

• HBLPSL 7 (2022)
  Season Winner – Lahore Qalandars

  Player of the Tournament – Mohammad Rizwan
  (Multan Sultans)

• HBLPSL 2 (2017)
  Season Winner – Peshawar Zalmi

  Player of the Tournament – Kamran Akmal
  (Peshawar Zalmi)

• HBLPSL 5 (2020)
  Season Winner – Karachi Kings

  Player of the Tournament – Babar Azam
  (Karachi Kings)

• HBLPSL 8 (2023)
  Season Winner – Lahore Qalandars

  Player of the Tournament – Ihsanullah
  (Multan Sultans)

• HBLPSL 3 (2018)
  Season Winner – Islamabad United

  Player of the Tournament – Luke Ronchi
  (Islamabad United)

• HBLPSL 6 (2021)
  Season Winner – Multan Sultans

  Player of the Tournament – Sohaib Maqsood
  (Multan Sultans)

• HBLPSL 9 (2024)
  Season Winner – Islamabad United

  Player of the Tournament – Shadab Khan
  (Islamabad United)

Karachi, Pakistan – 14 April 2025 

Celebrating a decade of HBLPSL (2016-2025), HBL has launched FanTunes — a groundbreaking fan engagement initiative. HBL is now the first Pakistani bank to integrate cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI) that combines music & technology.

For the first time in Pakistan, fans will have the opportunity to compose their own unique HBLPSL FanTunes using AI generative tools. This will not only empower fans to create personalized songs but will also amplify the excitement surrounding HBLPSL X.

Commenting on this, Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – HBL, said, “HBL FanTunes allows us to connect with the youth of Pakistan using generative AI technology. Through FanTunes, HBL is not only redefining digital engagement but also reinforcing HBL’s leadership in technological transformation.”

Pakistan, Karachi – 25 April 2025

HBL today declared a record profit before tax of Rs 36.6 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, 22% higher than in the same period last year. The profit after tax of Rs 16.6 billion is 11% higher despite a 4% higher tax rate applied on the banking sector. EPS for Q1’25 improved from Rs 10.37 in Q1’24 to Rs 11.32. The Bank also declared an Interim Cash Dividend for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, at Rs. 4.50/- per share i.e., 45.00%.

HBL’s balance sheet stood at Rs 5.9 trillion, with total deposits closing at Rs 4.4 trillion. Domestic deposits increased to Rs 3.7 trillion, led by a growth of Rs 127 billion in current account, driving up the CA mix from 37.3% in Dec’24 to 40.0% in Mar’25. HBL’s lending book closed at Rs 1.9 trillion as domestic advances came off their year-end peak. Nevertheless, our flagship Consumer business continued its growth trajectory, reaching Rs 148 billion.

Despite continuous monetary easing and a 1,000 bps reduction in the policy rate, HBL’s net interest income increased 12% to Rs 68.8 billion. This was achieved by an increase of Rs 454 billion in the average domestic balance sheet and optimization of deposit cost. Non-fund income increased to Rs 21.6 billion, driven by strong contribution from the Treasury business. The fee franchise yet again posted double-digit growth in branch banking and Bancassurance, while the Cards business contributed more than 50% of the total fee. HBL’s total revenue thus increased to Rs 90.4 billion.

Cost optimizing initiatives across the Bank enabled HBL to contain expense growth at a subdued 7%, improving the cost/income ratio by 200 bps to 55.6% in Q1’25. The Tier 1 Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) improved from 14.27% in Dec’24 to 14.51% in Mar’25 on the back of strong profitability; Total CAR increased from 17.70% to 17.88% over the same period. The CAR ratios remain well above the required levels.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL, said, “The robust financial performance points to the soundness of our business strategy in a competitive market, while prioritizing client centricity. Our key focus areas, especially in agriculture, SMEs, digital services and sustainability continue to play a vital role in our success. We remain dedicated to improving lives, advancing financial inclusion and promoting sustainable development to ensure the enduring prosperity of Pakistan’s future.”

Delivering value for stakeholders

HBL has entered into a strategic collaboration with Google to launch Google Wallet for its cardholders. HBL cardholders can add their credit/debit cards to Google Wallet on both Android and Wear OS devices. This reinforces the Bank’s dedication to innovative and secure digital payment solutions.

HBL is fully committed to growing the “S” of SME business in a significant and sustainable way. The SME business rolled out structure of SME-centric branches and trade business centers to strengthen outreach and deepen focus on the SME segment.

The Bank successfully completed the solarization of 25 high fuel-consuming branches, reinforcing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. To date, over 360 branches and offsite ATMs have been transitioned to solar energy.

HBL remains a thought leader in the Pakistan market with its latest initiative, a collaboration with S&P Global, to launch the HBL S&P Global PMI® (Purchasing Managers’ Index™) series for Pakistan. This index will provide valuable monthly data and timely insights into the overall economic health of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector and enhance transparency leading to investor confidence.

This year, HBL is celebrating a decade of HBLPSL. As the biggest sporting event in the country, HBLPSL has played a transformative role in both cricket and nation building. As part of its continued efforts to engage with the youth, FanTunes, a groundbreaking fan engagement initiative was launched for the first time in Pakistan allowing fans to create their own unique HBLPSL songs using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In recognition of the Bank’s leadership, performance, and innovative approach, HBL has been honored with prestigious accolades this quarter including ‘Best Investment Bank for 2025’ by Global Finance, ‘Best Investment Bank (Domestic)’ by the Finance Asia Awards 2025 and ‘Best Sukuk House’ by Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2024.

Karachi, Pakistan – 2 May 2025

The HBL Pakistan Manufacturing PMI (compiled by S&P Global) eased to 51.9 in April down from 52.7 last month, marking the lowest reading in seven months.

The Manufacturing PMI is a vital forward-looking metric for gauging the overall health of the wider economy. The survey covers various components including New Orders, Output & Employment among others.

New orders moderated to the lowest since last September amid falling foreign demand for Pakistani goods.

However, it should be pointed out that the reading continues to remain over 50.0, indicating an increase in manufacturing orders over the preceding month.

Commenting on the latest PMI release, Humaira Qamar - Head Equities & Research at HBL stated “Notably, Fresh export orders fell for the first time in the series’ history. Employment levels were down for the second consecutive month as companies sought to reduce costs and adjust to lower production needs. While the Output index increased, this was partly driven by the completion of outstanding business.

Overall, we believe that the latest PMI dips are early signs of the headwinds to the global economy from the introduction of U.S. tariffs. A U.S. stagflation scenario – a recession accompanied by rising prices - would, impact Pakistan’s economy, firstly due to a likely reduction in exports to the U.S. (the country accounts for 18% of Pakistan’s exports), and secondly, exports to other markets are likely to suffer as well. This could well prolong the downturn in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector. An offset to this could be in the form of a relief from lower energy imports in the event that commodity prices take a downturn.

Nevertheless, business confidence regarding the outlook has strengthened further, underpinned by hopes of improving demand conditions along with reductions in electricity and input costs. Indeed, the inflation outlook is favorable, with the pace of cost inflation and the rise in output charges still well below the series average. Strong disinflationary pressures may spur the State Bank Monetary Policy Committee to ease the policy rate at the upcoming MPC meeting on the 5th of May.”

HBL became the first Pakistani bank to open a branch and serve clients in Beijing, China’s capital city.

Karachi, 22 March 2021

The inauguration ceremony for HBL Beijing was attended by clients, regulators and senior executives of the Bank from across HBL’s international network. From Pakistan, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, Deputy Governor – State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman - HBL, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL, along with senior executives and HBL’s customers, virtually joined the ceremony. HBL Beijing offers a full range of products & services for the Bank’s esteemed clients.

HBL remains grateful to the Governments of Pakistan and China and the regulators for the trust and confidence they have reposed on the Bank, through the opening of the branch.

HBL has created history by being the first and only bank from Pakistan to have a branch in Beijing and one of the three banks from South Asia and MENA region to offer end-to-end RMB intermediation in China. Upon commencement of business, HBL Beijing has become HBL’s second branch and its managing branch in China; both branches in Beijing and Urumqi are equipped with foreign exchange and RMB license to better facilitate customers’ requirements in multiple currencies.

HBL’s presence in China will allow the bank to interact with State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and leading financial institutions involved in CPEC and across Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) corridors. China is a very important market for HBL not only in terms of the business in China and CPEC, but also for Chinese companies working on projects in countries across the HBL network.

Chairman HBL, Sultan Ali Allana said, “HBL’s journey in China began in 2005 when we established our Representative Office in Beijing. This was followed by the establishment of branch operations in Urumqi in 2017 and today we mark the commencement of our branch operations in Beijing. It is an extremely proud moment for us as we enhance our China franchise, and we look forward to playing a leading role in facilitating regional trade and serving our valued customers throughout HBL’s international network.”

Commenting on the branch opening, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO, HBL said: “China is the second home market for HBL and we will grow our business in the country. China remains the lynchpin of HBL’s international strategy. We are grateful to the regulators for having granted us the branch license. They are very supportive of developing market-based capabilities and encouraging financial institutions like HBL to provide clients best-in-class product and services. HBL is the largest executor of CPEC related financing in Pakistan, and the Bank’s presence in China has put us in a unique position to connect our clients across the HBL network directly with the businesses in China.”

​Karachi, September 3rd, 2021

marks a special occasion in the history of HBL, Pakistan’s largest Bank in the private sector. The Bank celebrates the 50th anniversary of the HBL Plaza building today. The HBL Plaza building commenced its operations on 4th September 1971. This commanding 335 feet skyscraper stands tall on I.I. Chundrigar Road, the heart of Pakistan’s financial district, and houses over 1,700 employees.

Recognized as one of the most prominent buildings of Pakistan, the building’s structure with its distinct shape and engineering firsts in Pakistan, remains a symbol of Karachi’s skyline and continues to be one of the most prominent landmarks of the country. Upon its commencement, it was the tallest bank building in Asia and for decades it remained the tallest building in the country.

Few structures in the country are as embedded in the nation’s psyche as HBL Plaza is. Many would remember the building being used for the sighting of the Ramazan and Eid moons. 50 years later, HBL Plaza continues to be an important landmark of Karachi.

Today, HBL Plaza serves as the nerve-centre of HBL’s operations, technology and the digital transformation that the Bank has embarked upon. The building is the backbone of the products, services and controls that HBL provides to its clients.

These past 50 years lifespan of the HBL Plaza building has seen a significant growth in the financial well-being of both the country and the millions of HBL clients. The building has witnessed HBL’s remarkable strides in the financial industry. For perspective, around that period, the Bank’s profit stood at approximately Rs 100 million; today, it has crossed Rs 30 billion. In these intervening years, the Bank’s advances have grown from Rs 4 billion to Rs 1.2 trillion, while its total deposits have risen from Rs 6.8 billion to Rs 3 trillion.

Commenting on the occasion, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO – HBL said, “HBL’s financial journey wouldn’t have been possible without our clients, stakeholders and employees who have been steadfast in their loyalty to the Bank. Their support has enabled HBL to become one of the leading brands of Pakistan. As HBL looks ahead to its future, to serve the clients through its physical and digital channels, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to all our stakeholders, as the Bank continues to serve them in the decades ahead, Inshallah.”