Along with the results, the Board declared a dividend of Rs. 1.00 per share (10pc).

Profit before tax was Rs. 7.4 billion for the first quarter of 2018.

The consolidated Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) as at March 31, 2018 increased to 16.5pc with the Tier 1 CAR at 12.3pc.

HBL’s core domestic business remains strong, with steady growth and improvement in key drivers.

Total domestic deposits increased by 3pc, crossing Rs. 1.8 trillion and increasing market share to 14.4pc.

The bulk of the growth came from CASA deposits as a result of which, the CASA ratio improved to 86.5pc as at March 31, 2018.

The domestic loan book increased by Rs. 26 billion during the quarter with the ADR rising to nearly 43pc.