An inauguration ceremony was held for opening of NBP's new earthquake-proof branch equipped with modern facilities covering an area of 1,000 square feet for a cost of Rs 3.8 million. The ceremony was graced by the presence of NBP's head of Retail Banking Amer Siddiqui along with the presence of other fellow staff members and media representatives.
At the inauguration, NBP announced to provide financing in order to augment the business activities. NBP plans to take part in rebuilding activities in the manner similar to what was displayed at the time of last year's devastating earthquake's relief activities.
SEVP and Head of Retail Banking Amer Siddiqui said that after the withdrawal of restriction on house financing, NBP's home financing scheme, NBP Saibaan will be offered again in the region. He added that prior to the October's earthquake; Rs 1.88 billion were given to enhance the lifestyles of the residents of Muzaffarabad. The people of the earthquake-affected areas were offered financing by NBP on easy terms to further improve the living standards and business activity in the region.
In Muzaffarabad region only, 41 of NBP's branches were affected with a loss by demise of 20 employees. Amer expressed while sharing his views with the members of various electronic and print media.
Amer Siddiqui also said that we are not against the development of Kashmir Bank. The consumer will go to the bank that offers him or her security of funds in addition to the facilities. NBP's 18 branches in the Muzaffarabad region will be given online connectivity in a period of one year.
There are 375,000 NBP accounts in earthquake affected areas out of which 75 thousand account holders have restored their accounts. 100,000 affectees have opened new accounts with NBP. NBP is also working to promote sports in the area of Kashmir. Every year a sports championship is held in Rawalakot with NBP's co-operation.
There are approximately 10 million accounts with NBP and over 1.5 million customers are availing some form of credit and other products from NBP. The bank offers a wide array of retail, corporate, investment and trade finance products through the largest and strongest branch network in Pakistan.
NBP has a presence in 18 countries across the globe. Recently the bank has been awarded a full banking license for Saudi Arabia.
NBP has won "Bank of the Year" award by the 'Banker' Magazine, Financial Times Group, UK, 4 times in the last five years, the most recent one being for 2005. It has also been declared as one of the most profitable banks in the world in terms of Return on Capital by the 'Banker' Magazine.-PR