The Presidents/Chief Executives

All Banks/MFBs

Dear Sirs / Madam,

GUIDELINES FOR BANKING SERVICES TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED/BLIND PERSONS

Across advance global financial jurisdictions, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone on the basis of disability. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol (UNCRPD), to which Pakistan is a ratified signatory since 2011, clearly commits to the rights of persons with disability and their access to financial services. The Constitution of Pakistan also provides that all citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of law. Accordingly, it is obligatory on the banks/MFBs to make banking/financial services accessible for people with disabilities especially those who are visually impaired/ blind.

In order to provide visually impaired/blind persons with equitable access to banking and financial services, general guidelines have been framed which inter-alia contain instructions pertaining to opening and operation of bank account, cash withdrawal/cheque book facility, Credit Cards, ATM/Debit Cards, phone/internet banking, lockers and extension of loans.

In this regard the banks/MFBs should;

1. Arrange printing of all related stationery, forms/documents etc. in Braille Script within the period of three months from the date of issuance of the Circular;
2. Make available related stock of stationery at least in a branch of region/city/town from where the said stock may be procured as and when required by other nearby branches;
3. Collaborate with each other and ensure that in an area/vicinity where various banks/MFBs are operating, at least one branch is having Talking ATM for facilitation of visually challenged persons;

The banks/MFBs are therefore advised to ensure compliance with the attached guidelines.

Further, banks/MFBs shall strictly follow the instructions contained in CPD Circular No. 02 of 2014 in making accessible banking structure for special persons.

Please acknowledge receipt.