Payment of utility bills is a long-standing problem that we have failed to resolve. The problem has intensified to such an extent that the Supreme Court of Pakistan, taking note of the situation, asked the State Bank of Pakistan to take steps to redress the grievances of the masses.
Banks and post offices are the two major sources available to the common man for the payment of utility bills. Although, other options such as online payment, credit cards, scratch card, ATM, drop-box etc are also available not very popular among the masses.
Neither the banks, nor the utility companies are willing to shoulder the responsibility. Actually, the banks claim that they lack the resources needed for the purpose, although they are charging Rs10 instead of Rs2 from the utility companies for the same and still they are not willing to facilitate the masses.
In order to address the issue, besides automation of the entire system, the number of places/points, where the bills could be accepted should be increased.
In this regard, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has recently installed kiosks machines, enabling the masses to pay their bills, round-the-clock, through cash.
Such a step is highly laudable keeping in view the Pakistani scenario and the credit goes to NADRA. I urge all the banks and utility companies to install such kiosks, being introduced by NADRA, so as to facilitate the masses effectively and help them get rid of the problems they face in the payment of utility bills.