August 17, 2006	Thursday	Rajab 21, 1427

KARACHI, Aug 16: The State Bank on Wednesday extended the deadline for banks required to make proper arrangements in their branches for deposition of utility bills.

Banks have sought extension in the deadline to complete the arrangements with the utility companies.

“It has been decided to allow a final extension to all the banks for completion of the required arrangements up to August 31, 2006,” said a SBP circular.

The circular stressed that no further extension would be allowed. Banks failing to finalise the arrangements would be considered as non-compliant and the same would be indicated in the SBP report to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had taken a suo motu action over the grievances of the general public regarding the deposition of utility bills. The court had ordered banks to make proper arrangements for the customers who had to wait in long queues for hours in open areas especially in scorching hot days to deposit their bills.

The SBP then issued a circular and asked all banks to make proper arrangements for the customers and facilitate them by providing drinking water, shades and quicker services.