Karachi: In defiance of regulations of State Bank of Pakistan, HBL management has directed its offices to maintain non-stop banking, ending breaks for prayers and lunch.
State Bank had issued its directives regarding federal cabinet’s decision of observing a 2-day weekly holiday, vide its circular BPRD-11/2011 dated 14th Oct 2011, according to which banking activities would be held from 0900hrs to 1730hrs, Mondays to Thursdays, and 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs on Fridays.
The State Bank had also authorized a break from 1300 hrs to 1430 hrs as a break for Friday Prayers on Fridays, and lunch on other weekdays.
However HBL management followed State Bank’s circular with one of its own, on the very 14th Oct 2011, vide STF/2011/88, which was withdrawn on 18th Oct 2011 against a new circular No.STF/2011/89, in which it instructed its management to push ahead with providing the service of ‘non-stop banking’ to its client, doing away with Friday Prayers/lunch breaks.
The employees of HBL, through their respective unions have reacted strongly to this inhumane directive, declaring it as a violation of human rights, and have demanded State Bank to exert its rightful pressure to discard this circular immediately.
The employees have warned of a mass movement, if this directive was not withdrawn with immediate effect.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription