October 24, 2006	Tuesday	Ramazan 30, 1427

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FAISALABAD, Oct 23: Users of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have been facing a great deal of inconvenience owing to severe shortage of cash on the eve of Eid.

A great rush of people was seen outside such machines installed at Circular Road, Zila Council Chowk, D Ground, Jinnah Colony, Jail Road and other parts of the city.

There was confusion in front of ATM cabins in city areas and most of the machines were out of cash or not functioning properly.

Account holders complained that many ATMs were not functioning properly as the amount they wished to draw, was not retrieved.

However, the message of withdrawal was fed into the system resulting in deduction from accounts of amount, which was not actually received by them.

“I wanted some cash to purchase garments for my children. I inserted my ATM card and waited for some time, but no processing took place. I kicked the machine. The ATM proved to be pretty resistant and I kicked it again. After a few minutes I came to know that my card had been captured,” Qaiser Hafiz said.

Riaz Shahid, standing outside an ATM machine on Circular Road, told this correspondent, “The faulty machines have caused me mental agony as I am unable to complete my Eid shopping.”

The machines reportedly captured scores of cards, which added to the tension of users while help lines also remained silent despite several attempts by account holders.

“I inserted my card, waited for almost 15 minutes, but the screen did not show anything leaving me nervous, as the card did not come out,” Ali Raza said.

Users have urged the authorities concerned to fix a notice if some ATM is dysfunctional.