KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has directed all the banks and Micro-Finance bank to arrange all related stationery, forms/ documents in Braille Script within the period of three months to facilitate visually impaired/blind persons.
In its guidelines issued to all banks and MFBs, the SBP directed to make available related stock of stationery at least in a branch of region/city/ town from where it may be procured as and when required by other nearby branches.
The central bank pointed out that the banks were encouraged to collaborate with each other and ensure that in an area where various banks/MFBs were operating, at least one branch was having Talking ATM to facilitate visually challenged persons.
The SBP in order to provide equitable access to banking services, said that general guidelines had been framed pertaining to opening and operation of bank account, cash withdrawal/ cheque book facility, Credit Cards, ATM/Debit Cards, phone/internet banking, lockers and extension of loans.
According to the SBP, across advance global financial jurisdictions, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone on the basis of disability. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol (UNCRPD), to which Pakistan is a ratified signatory since 2011, clearly commits to the rights of persons with disability and their access to financial services. The Constitution of Pakistan also provides that all citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of law.
