A SPOKESMAN for the National Bank has disputed a story headlined “NBP deviated from Saiban policy” carried by Dawn in its Feb 12 issue, contending that the loan to the Chief Justice of Pakistan was sanctioned “in accordance with the approved policy”.

“All formalities such as the applicant’s verification, credit history, checking and valuation of property being financed were carried out as prescribed in the product policy and normal practice with common clients,” the spokesman said. He denied that Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar had applied for the loan on Nov 5 — two days after elevation to the post. The application was submitted in October, the spokesman added.