KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has said commercial and microfinance bank to install a talking ATM in a particular area to facilitate visually challenged persons. The central bank said that banks should collaborate each other and ensure the facilitation of special services of ATM at least in one branch in an area/vicinity where various banks/MFBs are operating mainly visually challenged persons In order to provide visually impaired/blind persons with equitable access to banking and financial services, the central bank has framed general guidelines 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 arrange printing of all related stationery, forms/documents etc. in Braille Script within the period of three months from today. They should 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. 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. Further, banks/MFBs shall strictly follow the instructions making accessible banking structure for special. persons.
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