ISLAMABAD: Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan Monday directed State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to ensure availability of cash and security atn all Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Taking cognizance of the miseries of about thousands of Overseas Pakistanis are visiting their families to celebrate Eid with them and government and private sector employees who are rushing to get the money from ATMs installed by the banks, the Wafaqi Mohtasib has instructed the State Bank of Pakistan to take appropriate remedial measures.
In a letter issued to the Governor SBP, Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmed Khokhar, Senior Advisor (Law) and Grievance Commissioner for Overseas Pakistanis has pointed out that it was being observed that the ATMs either do not work or were found out-of-cash. There are frequent complaints against ATMs’ poor functioning.
Customers using ATMs have been facing many issues including misreporting about the cash; deduction of cash during a transaction but no delivery of cash to the customer, and frequent `link down’, `ATM is out of order’ or `your bank failed to respond’ messages. It is commonly observed that ATMs stop working during the first week of each month.
He asked the governor, SBP issue instructions to all banks of Pakistan and to take remedial measures for local and Overseas Pakistanis for ensuring the availability of cash and security in all ATM of banks during Eid-ul-Fiter Holidays throughout Pakistan.
He directed that special teams may be deputed for inspection and compliance of State Bank’s instructions on the subject in the public interest.
