Banks told to implement State Bank's SOP for security

Siyal proposes joint committee to review security matters of banks

KARACHI: Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal has urged the management of banks operating in the province and security companies which provide security to the banks to follow the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) standard operating procedure (SOP) in order to guard the banks' branches.

Siyal was presiding over a meeting with the representatives of banks and security companies on Tuesday. He also ordered the police stations to coordinate with the banks' branches in their areas in order to protect them from heists.

The meeting was also attended by the home secretary, additional IGs of Karachi, Counter-Terrorism Department and special branch and zonal DIGs.



"Representatives of security companies and banks should ensure the implementation of the security manual issued by the SBP," the home minister directed. Siyal said the Sindh government was delivering on its part to provide protection to citizens and commercial hubs in the province but it could not achieve the desired results completely until all the stakeholders played their role.

Siyal proposed to constitute a joint committee for tightening the security of the banks. He asked the security companies and banks to nominate their representatives for the committee so that a proper notification could be issued in this regard.

The joint committee would hold monthly meetings to review the security of the banks, the home minister said, adding that he would personally look into the committee's findings and recommendations. The participants of the meeting assured the home minister that they would cooperate with the provincial government in its efforts for improving security of the banks.