It is understood that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), has directed all the private banks to get themselves registered for utility bills' collection to lessen pressure on the branches of the scheduled banks. It is a plausible step. But the SBP has not made it a point as to ensure how many private banks or their branches are following the directive given to them.
In Block-17, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi, there is only one branch of Bank Al-Habib, which is providing all banking facilities, but not accepting any utility bills, in defiance of the mandate given by the SBP.
As a result of it, the only one branch of Habib Bank Ltd, (HBL) in Block-18 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, is swarmed by the residents of all blocks to pay their utility bills.
Long 'queues' are formed and when there is a slight delay in the movement of the 'queue', there are ugly scenes of hot tempers, and frustration even the bank staff is not spared.
As the providers of the utility services are now paying enhanced service charges, as demanded by the banks, there is no logical reason for any private bank to refuse taking utility bills.
The branch of Bank Al-Habib in Gulistan-e-Jauhar should, therefore, be directed to accept the utility bills to reduce the mad rush of the consumers of the various blocks at the HBL branch in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
It is also suggested that the providers of the utility services may also see if the respective bills could be issued giving ample time to the consumers to pay their bills within the due dates.
The Governor of State Bank of Pakistan is once again requested to direct the branch of Bank Al-Habib in Gulistan-e-Jauhar to comply with the directives given to it. If this is done, it will greatly facilitate the residents of blocks 16, 17, and 18 and other adjoining blocks.
Moreover, where possible, the banks should provide drinking water, seats to the senior citizens, and also washrooms facilities to the public.
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