The Presidents/Chief Executives
All Banks / Financial Institutions

Dear Sir/Madam,

Standardization of Customer’s Cheque Layout

It has been decided by SBP to implement a uniform standard for cheque printing as per the specimen attached at Annexure-I across the banking industry in Pakistan latest by 30th June, 2014. These guidelines prescribe standards relating to the layout of cheques. For minimum requirements in respect of security features and printing techniques, banks are required to follow CPD Circular No. 1 of 2014.

All Banks / Financial Institutions are therefore advised to meticulously comply with the following instructions:

1. New cheque books should be printed as per the new standard upon the exhaustion of existing stock or by the deadline of 30th June, 2014, whichever comes earlier.
2. Only cheque books printed as per the new standard should be issued to customers after 30th June, 2014.
3. Banks / Financial Institutions are advised to take all possible steps to create awareness and educate their customers and staff about the new standards and the instructions contained in this circular.
4. Banks should encourage their customers to replace their old unused stock of cheques with new standardized cheque books.
5. To avoid defacement of the MICR line, all Banks / Financial Institutions must ensure that clearing stamps are affixed on the reverse side of the cheque instead of the face (obverse side), so that no material part of the cheque is defaced.
6. Notwithstanding any instructions issued by SBP, banks are advised to ensure that the size of the stamp is in accordance with the requirements of the new standards.

Non-compliance with the above instructions shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.

Please acknowledge receipt.