State Bank of Pakistan in an internal circular announced that all branches and work places for banks, Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) and Mutual Funds (MFBs) will be operational from 24th March 2020. The State Bank incorporated suggestions by all financial institutions regarding bank timings, COVID-19 related precautions, and employee guidelines.
According to the circular, bank timings for all banks, DFIs and MFBs will be 10 am to 4:30 pm until further notice by SBP. The banks are advised to operate with bare minimum staff and all employees are supposed to carry their CNICs and company IDs to office. The banks are also advised to keep availability of ATMs services along with online banking services. The RTGS and other call centers will remain operational for smooth transactions for fixed income and stock market transactions.
Lastly, the guidelines by Government of Pakistan, World Health Organizations and Provincial Government are mandatory to be followed by all banks, DFIs and MFBs.
