SBP explains collection mechanism

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Tuesday called the public response to the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s appeal for donations to build dams ‘positive’, saying that banks are likely to receive more than sufficient funds.

Addressing a press conference at SBP Head Office, Shamsul Hasan Deputy Governor SBP, explained the arrangements made at field offices and bank branches across Pakistan to receive donations for Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dam established on the instructions of the Supreme Court for construction of two dams in the country.

He said the initiative of building two dams will go a long way in ensuring development of the economy and prosperity of people of Pakistan. The central bank will extend all-out support and cooperation in the collection of funds for building these dams, he maintained.

The Deputy Governor SBP said following the directives of the Supreme Court, accounts have been opened in all SBP (BSC) field offices, commercial banks and microfinance banks and donations can be made online through internet/ATM banking or other channels besides cash deposits at counters of banks.

In addition, a helpline (UAN 111-727-273) has also been established and people may contact, in case of any query or difficulty in making donations.

During the press conference, Deputy Governor SBP also announced that officers and staff of the SBP and its subsidiaries will donate two-day and one-day salary, respectively to the Fund.

In a similar spirit, Presidents of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), United Bank Limited (UBL) and representatives of Allied Bank of Pakistan (ABL) and MCB Bank also announced donations on behalf of their banks.

These donations are in the form of one-time contributions and one to two-day salary from their staff and matching amount from banks.

Presidents of banks also explained that arrangements for receiving donations have been made at all the bank branches across the country. They also stated that their respective banks were not only running awareness campaigns but had also established help lines to respond to queries of their customers aiming to facilitate donations by them. They also stated that they were sending SMS to create awareness and facilitating their customers to donate in the fund account. Saeed Ahmad, President NBP, Sima Kamil, President UBL, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President HBL and other representatives of various banks were also present.