Monday, May 5, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 28, 1429    

Banks should serve the masses in rural area

Nasir Mahmood

Karachi—Reaching millions of un-banked Pakistanis in the rural area should be the focus of banks and service providers, Secretary IT, Government of Sindh Muhammad Zakir said while addressing the sixth international e-banking Conference& Exhibition, 2008. He said the Government will continue to support the IT sector that has grown tremendously over the last few years. Events like e-banking are very good platform to exchange experts views and get valuable knowledge from international experts.

Zahid Jamil, legal expert, highlighted the grey areas that are found in different legislations and regulation that governs the e-banking in Pakistan. He raised many important issues that need to be addressed if smooth functioning of alternate banking channels in Pakistan is to be ensured and advised the banking community as well as technology sector to provide more inputs to the regulators for such legislations. Ms. Jehan Ara, President PASHA, endorsed views expressed by Zahid Jamil and urged experts to join hands and work together in formalizing the recommendation that can assist the national economy. Pakistan has a vibrant IT sector that is growing at a rapid pace on year to year basis. The 2 billion dollar industry is serving the world as well as the local market, she said.

Ammar Bin Mujeeb, Country Head IT, Dubai Islamic Bank highlighted the risks associated with the e-banking activities and suggested mitigation means. He looked at the services from an Islamic Banking perspective and asked all the industry to be more vigilant while offering such services to common man. CEO MNET, and foreign exerts from Austria and Germany were among the many experts that spoke on the occasion. The event was largely attended by banking sector and technology-related industry. An exhibition was also part of the conference where companies displayed their latest products and services. It was organized by TOTAL Communications with the support of Pakistan Software Export Board, Pakistan, Pakistan Software Houses Association and Government of Sindh.