Bank of Punjab launches Pakistan's first Mastercard World Elite cards

The Bank of Punjab (BOP), in partnership with Mastercard, has launched Pakistan's first Mastercard World Elite Credit and Debit Cards. The launch was reported on 4 November by ProPakistani, 24 News Business and Business Recorder, among others.

The cards expand the bank's premium banking portfolio and bring a globally recognised payments offering to customers in Pakistan. The launch covers both credit and debit cards.

According to the reports, the World Elite cards provide premium travel, dining, lifestyle and entertainment benefits, along with acceptance for payments around the world.

The reports say the collaboration combines BOP's customer relationships and banking capabilities with Mastercard's international payments network and its World Elite offering.

The launch builds on BOP's growth into Pakistan's largest credit card issuer, even though it entered the market later than established players. Business Recorder said it is the next step in turning that growth into a broader choice of payment products. The launch also supports the bank's wider transformation agenda, in which digital innovation and customer experience are central to product development.

BOP President and CEO Zafar Masud said: "BOP's growth to become Pakistan's largest credit card issuer, despite entering the market later than established players, reflects our commitment to innovation and customer experience." He added that the launch is "another milestone in our transformation and our ambition to set new benchmarks in premium banking."

Mark Elliott, Division President, East Arabia, at Mastercard, said the company was delighted to deepen its partnership with the bank. He said: "World Elite brings together innovative payment technology, global connectivity and differentiated lifestyle experiences." He said the launch reflects a shared commitment to elevating customer experiences and supporting the evolution of Pakistan's payments ecosystem.