It
has been observed by the State Bank of Pakistan that incidents
of “ATMs out of cash/service” are on the rise
particularly during the days of 1st of Ramadan, Eid holidays
and other long weekends. In order to minimize such incidents
and to ensure continuous availability of ATM facility, following
guidelines are being issued:
i.
Adequate back-up arrangements should be made to ensure availability
of ATM service round the clock. Disruption of service for
regular maintenance should be properly planned and communicated
in order to avoid inconvenience to card holders. Any major
breakdown, along with reasons thereof, should immediately
be reported to this department.
ii.
A maximum downtime of ATMs from 12.00 of Midnight to 8.00
a.m. to process Zakat deductions and closing of books of
accounts on 1st Ramadan, 30th June and 31st December would
be admissible.
iii. Special arrangements should be made to replenish cash
in ATMs on long weekends and holidays. For this purpose,
extra cash cassettes to refill ATMs may be arranged to mitigate
the risks associated with the opening of cash vaults at
branches during holidays.
iv. Comprehensive operating procedures should be put in
place to timely resolve the cases of out of cash, breakdown
of ATMs, Systems and Network.
The above instructions will come into force with immediate
effect. All the banks and Switch Operators are required to
comply with these guidelines.
Please acknowledge receipt.
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