Banks asked not to give loans to industries creating health hazards

Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Alternative Energy, Environment and IT, Noman Saigol, has asked the public and private sector banks not to approve loans or give financial assistance to industries that are involved in creating serious health and environmental hazards.
He was speaking as chief guest at the technical session of the 4th International Conference and Exhibition on 'e-Banking' here on Tuesday. The conference has been organised by 'Total Communications' and supported by Sindh government, Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), besides 'Business Recorder' as media partner.
"I appeal to all banks not to approve the cases of loans and financing of such industries which are creating serious health and environmental hazards," he said, expressing hope that the banks would not play any role in strengthening such industries that could take a precious life anytime.
"Before approval of the cases of industries, make sure that the industry has a proper garbage and waste dispensation system, otherwise we would seal the guilty industries and ultimately you (banks) will suffer," he warned.
Saigol urged the domestic and multinational banks to facilitate middle-class and lower middle-class people as well besides the elite class.
"When I go to Malir, Landhi, Korangi as well as other areas and localities of the city, I always search for these facilities like online and e-banking and I never found it anywhere," he regrettably said.
"Please do not confine yourself to facilitate the people of posh areas and elite class only because the people reside in other areas of the city could also prove to be your potential clients as well," he stressed.
"Your (banks') e-Banking and online banking should also be provided at different schools, colleges and universities at least in the shape of ATMs just like the way the banks are offering in United States or other countries," he said.
The Advisor also stressed the need to establish smooth co-ordination among provincial, district and local governments with the entire banking sector.
"Once a good co-ordination establishes between the government and the banking sector, the data sharing problem and the other issues would be resolved automatically," Saigol said.
He said that students of IT should further embellish their skills besides acquiring more knowledge. "We are not getting the desired results," Saigol said, adding that there is a huge potential and scope in the call centres for fresh graduates.