ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday took strong notice of the difficulties being faced by pensioners in collecting pensions at various bank branches.
Talking to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor on telephone, the finance minister asked him to contact the National Bank authorities and redress the problems of the people. The minister also advised SBP to ensure 24-hour operation of automated teller machine (ATM) services by the banks to facilitate customers during the Eid holidays.
The finance minister said that sufficient cash must be kept available in the ATMs to facilitate people and save them from any inconvenience, according to statement issued by the ministry. It is pertinent to mention that the SBP has advised all commercial banks to take necessary measures for facilitation of general public by ensuring uninterrupted availability of ATM services on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.
The ATM sites of commercial banks would be examined by the SBP inspectors and verification teams from July 1-10 to verify their operational status. In view of the extended Eid holidays, the banks have also been advised to intimate SBP BSC field offices, in advance, about the extra cash that they may need so that adequate arrangements could be made for replenishing their ATMs during Eid holidays.
