Many of the consumers in the metropolis have been facing difficulties in paying their utility bills at the different banks' branches. They said that at times the utility bills are delivered with shorter time for payment or were dispatched in such a way that very short time available for the payment. The weekly holidays on Saturday and Sunday also contribute towards such miseries.
The consumers complained that there is apparent `lethargy' and lack of cooperation of the bank staff at some of the branches. The most common excuse cited by the bank staff is that "the computer system is down". In such a situation, the consumers run from pillar to post and more precisely from branch to branch to ensure payment of utility bills on time.
The consumers have urged the State Bank of Pakistan to ensure that the commercial banks receive the utility bills in a proper manner and not to cause difficulties to the consumers. It be also ensured that the banks observe the stated timings for the receipt of utility bills and the consumers who come to pay their utility bills should not be inconvenienced by the staff of the bank branches concerned. The consumers demanded that the SBP should also ensure a proper monitoring in this regard.