State Bank of Pakistan on Sunday while giving the facts regarding the amount and transactions carried out by citizens during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr holidays said that special ATM monitoring during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr endured substantial results.

Central Bank, in collaboration with commercial banks, took several steps to ensure maximum availability of ATM-related services to its customers especially during Ramadan and long holidays including Eid and other festivals. 

The joint efforts of SBP and commercial banks saw an average of 96.5% uptime in ATM services during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, read the statement. 

The efforts by SBP and commercial banks further improved to 98% uptime, during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

In addition, a record Rs827.2 billion were withdrawn through 63.2 million transactions during Ramadan and Eid holidays, whereas Rs137.8 billion were withdrawn through 11.6 million transactions during Eid holidays only. 

SBP initiated a Special ATM Monitoring exercise during the holy month of Ramadan and on long EId-ul-Fitr holidays keeping in view the high demand for cash, said SBP.

Central Bank received more than 500 complaints from the public that were immediately taken up with the banks for resolution in the shortest possible time. 

The ATM uptime has also been encouraging as it was difficult for banks to mobilize ATM Monitoring teams on-ground for rectification of issues because of mobility restrictions and issues related to the availability of spare parts due to the closure of markets, states State Bank.