KARACHI, Aug 30: People whose computerized national identity cards do not bear their photographs can open bank accounts, according to the latest State Bank ruling.

The central bank said on Tuesday that while opening accounts of such persons their banks must obtain any other valid document which bears their photographs.

However, if the customers do not have a valid document bearing their photographs, the banks may allow them to open accounts after they submit a photograph and a copy of the CNIC attested by a gazetted officer or nazim and a confirmation in writing to the effect that the customer has no other document bearing photograph.

The bank advised all banks and development finance institutions to ensure that the CNIC and photograph were of the person whose account was being opened. “The particulars/CNIC of such persons must be confirmed from Nadra in writing or through its ‘VerySys’ system by the banks and DFIs,” says a letter issued by the banking policy department of the SBP.