The study aimed at exploring the relationship between efficiency and profitability of private commercial banks operating in Pakistan. The efficiency represented by technical efficiency has been assessed by non-parametric data envelopment analysis approach while profitability indicated by return on assets has been computed through conventional ratio analysis for period 2009 to 2013. The analysis revealed that technical efficiency declined during the study period and remained at 89%. HMB was identified as the top-performing bank in technical efficiency while MCB remained highly profitable. Banks were then grouped based on TE and ROA. MBL, UBL, DIB, SCB, BAH, HBL and HMB observed as top-performing banks based on TE and ROA. These banks are considered a role model for other inefficient and less profitable banks. Whereas, other banks were grouped as weak, based on below-average ROA and TE scores. These banks can adopt distinct product mix or business strategies to become profitable in future.

Merger and acquisition is the strategy used by banks to expand its development process. In the current study operating and market performance has been assessed of the Banks exercised the M&A by taking the data from 2005-17. The main focus of the study is to evaluate the Banks performance using data collected from nine banks gone through the merger and acquisition strategy with the help of ordinary least square model. The results show significant relationship operating performance but insignificant relation with market performance. Findings provided an opportunity for the Banks to study and utilize the M&A strategy for capturing market share and further development in the competitive market. Furthermore, a glimpse for potential investors has been provided who want to create a profitable portfolio according to market concentration. The implications demands that proper improvement should be considered for the mechanism and regulatory policies to ensure the security of Banks.