April 23, 2026 (MLN): The long-awaited dividend of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) was approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a high-level meeting on energy security strategy and regional situation, according to official communication.

The clearance removes a key procedural hurdle that had delayed the payout despite the bank posting record earnings.

NBP had announced a historic final cash dividend of Rs35 per share (350%) for CY25, backed by a profit after tax of Rs85.91 billion, more than tripling year-on-year.

While shareholders approved the payout at the AGM on March 31, the disbursement remained pending due to mandatory federal approval under the Banks (Nationalization) Act, 1974.

The delay had been attributed to the absence of cabinet-level approvals in recent weeks.

With the Prime Minister’s nod now granted during the NCMC meeting, primarily convened to review Pakistan’s energy security and fuel supply situation, the dividend is expected to be released within the statutory timeline.

The development is likely to ease investor concerns, as the delay had created a disconnect between strong financial performance and payout execution.

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