December 27, 2002	Friday	Shawwal 22, 1423

KARACHI, Dec 26: The State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Ishrat Hussain wants Pakistani banks to go ahead with M-banking and M- commerce as number of cellular phone holders is on increase.

Speaking on the inauguration of Habib Bank’s E-Banking and internet services on Thursday the State Bank governor that it was a big day in Pakistan’s banking.

Calling Habib bank a ‘jewel in the crown’ he hoped that other banks will also follow the suit and come out with a variety of internet related products to serve their clients.

He urged the banks to consider launching mobile banking and mobile commerce as number of mobile phone owners is on rise.

Earlier, the president of HBL Zakir Mahmood explained that E-banking initiatives are focussed on providing convenience, 24 hours access, cost savings, secured access and confidentiality and a user-friendly service to the clients.

The PC banking he said would be available to all five million customers in all corporate and commercial branches in 14 cities. The customer would be connected to the bank from their offices. Key features of this service are single account balance, group account balance, statement of account, transfers to account to account, demand draft, pay order, mail transfer and telegraphic transfer.