SWAT: Several customers of a private bank here in Mingora have complained about their bank accounts going inactive without any prior notice.

They claim that the bank staff, both at a local branch and helpline, failed to provide adequate support or clarification regarding the development.

According to the affected customers, their accounts suddenly became inactive last month. When they visited their respective branches, they were informed by the bank staff that their accounts had been rendered inactive by the bank’s head office. However, no clear reason was provided for the action, and the staff was unable to offer further assistance.

“I’ve been a customer for over 15 years, and suddenly, without any prior notice, my account was rendered inactive,” said an account holder. “I depend on my account for my salary, and now I’m in serious trouble. I’ve even approached the Bank Mohtasib to file a complaint, but nothing has been done to resolve the issue.”

Saima, a resident of Mingora, shared her frustration as she found herself unable to access the money she needed for personal expenses. “I have money in my account, and I was counting on it for my expenses, especially with Eidul Fitr approaching. But now, I can’t even withdraw it. When I went to the bank, they said the account had been made inactive by the head office, and they couldn’t provide any explanation,” she explained.

Customers have also expressed disappointment with the online bank staff, which failed to offer any assistance and advised them to contact the local branch — where they were met with further ignorance. As of now, the bank has not issued a public statement to address the issue or provide an explanation for the accounts’ inactivation.

When contacted, the manager at the bank branch told Dawn that he was unaware of the reason and confirmed that approximately 2,000 accounts had been rendered inactive by the head office.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2025