THIS refers to the letter ‘Overseas Pakistanis’ (Jan 11) by Shafiq Ahmed Khan. It is clarified that the basic documentary evidence required to open bank accounts by individuals in Pakistan is national identity document i.e. CNIC, NICOP, POC, etc., and its successful verification from Nadra to prevent identity theft.

In case of foreign nationals, a passport having a valid visa on it or some proof of legal stay is required to open a bank account. It is a worldwide norm to meet necessary formalities. The account opening process takes couple of days if necessary information is provided to banks and verification is completed satisfactorily.

The process of biometric verification of customers from Nadra is an advance and instant tool to verify customers and is being successfully used for verification of customers’ identity.

Nevertheless, in case of any technical or connectivity-related issues in biometrics, banks are also allowed to facilitate their customers by using conventional mode of CNIC, NICOP, POC verification called Nadra Verisys. Generalised observations and unrealistic comparison with other countries is uncalled for.

The customers after meeting necessary criteria and subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence requirements may open bank accounts in Pakistan.

In case of any discrimination or malpractices by the bank, the SBP’s help desk may be contacted via http://www.sbp.org.pk/cpd/cpd-help.asp or email cpd.helpdesk@sbp.org.pk.

Abid Qamar

Chief Spokesman,

State Bank of Pakistan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2017