THIS refers to the letter ‘Bank cruelty’ (April 16). The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) regrets the inconvenience experienced by the bank customer while withdrawing money from his/her bank.

Owing to coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown, some branches of all banks have been closed, while others are operating with a reduced staff. Banks are communicating about operational and closed branches on their websites and mobile banking applications.

The PBA requests the valued bank customers to check their bank’s website or mobile banking application prior to visiting a bank branch. However, PBA will ask all its member banks to enhance their communication regarding operational and closed branches.

The request for original CNIC by the bank’s staff is for the protection of bank customers from any potential fraud in their accounts. The PBA requests all bank customers to please present their original CNIC, especially at the time of cash withdrawal at a branch which is not where their account is actually maintained.

The PBA and all its member banks continue to encourage their customers to use their bank’s alternative distribution channels such as ATM, Internet banking, etc., for their personal banking needs. Bank customers will be pleased to note that bank charges have been waived for these.

Spokesperson
Pakistan Banks’ Association
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2020