KARACHI, June 6: The Supreme Court of Pakistan in a suo-motu action has directed all banks authorised to collect utility bills to provide facility of drinking water and sheds immediately in accordance with the municipal laws to the consumers who have to stand in queues during the hot season.

This was stated in a circular issued by the State Bank. The Supreme Court opined that if all the scheduled banks, post offices, national saving centres and petrol pumps were allowed to collect utility bills, the burden on specified banks for the deposit of utility bills would be reduced.

The State Bank said that in view of the superior court order, all branches of the scheduled commercial banks were directed to collect utility bills from the consumers.

“Banks may also appropriately inform the general public through press and media about the facility. For collection of utility bills, the banks may complete all necessary formalities with the utility companies and submit a compliance report to the State Bank latest by July 31, 2006,” said the SBP circular.

All the banks that are already collecting utility bills are again advised to make special arrangements to ensure provision of drinking water and sheds in accordance with the municipal laws to the consumers. A compliance report in this regard may be submitted by June 30, 2006, the SBP added.

The State Bank will carry out surprise checks of the bank branches ensuring adherence to the above instructions. “Any violation of the SBP instructions in this regard will attract the penal provision under the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962,” said the circular.