ON July 16 I went to the Islamic banking branch of Summit Bank situated at Block 1, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Karachi, to pay my PTCL bill. However, much to my surprise and dismay the cashier flatly refused to accept the bill, saying that they do not accept PTCL bills. I was directed to the nearby branches of other banks.

Being cognizant of the difficulties of the common people, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SBP) vide its suo motu in 2006 had advised all the banks to enter into an agreement with the utility companies and make proper arrangement for the acceptance of utility bills.

This was followed by the SBP, which asked the banks vide BPD circular three and 12 of 2006 to take necessary steps in this regard.

Ironically, PTCL also happens to be one of the three main utility companies whose bills are not being accepted by Block 1, Gulistan-i-Jauhar branch of Summit Bank.

Sadia Adnan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2020