Most ATMs issued by various national and international banks go out of order all at the same time.
LAHORE: The State Bank of Pakistan has inked formal rules regarding the operation of ATMs across Pakistan based on international banking standards; but unfortunately, these rules are not strictly applied in our country. Banks do not consider themselves answerable to their customers for any malpractice or inconvenience.
It has been commonly observed that ATMs become choked, jammed, disconnected or out of cash whenever Eid or any public holidays are around the corner.
It could not be a coincidence that most ATMs issued by various national and international banks go out of order all at the same time whenever there is a likelihood of a larger than normal withdrawal of cash by account holders. By not ensuring the sustained service of ATMs, banks simply deprive customers of their own money.
Via lengthy financial agreements, banks or bankers are protected by banking laws. Yet there are a few clauses which provide a few basic rights to account holders. Under these, ATMs are expected to provide uninterrupted services to customers at all hours of the day and night. If banks fail to provide this service when needed, or illegally deprive the owners of access to cash, there should be strict legal action against them.
I request the governor of the State Bank to kindly address this matter. Malpractice of this nature is a crime that should be covered by proper laws and account holders should be encouraged to sue such banks.
Maryam Naseer Bhutta
Published in The Express Tribune, May 17th, 2014.
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