National Party seeks immediate reopening of bank branches in Noshki

QUETTA: National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has called for the immediate restoration of banking services in Noshki, expressing concern over the continued closure of bank branches in the area and the difficulties this has created for residents.

In a letter addressed to the president of the National Bank of Pakistan and the heads of private banks, Dr Baloch urged them to reopen all bank branches in Noshki on an emergency basis. He said the prolonged suspension of services was causing ongoing hardship and inconvenience for the public.

Branches of the National Bank of Pakistan and private banks in Noshki have remained closed since a militant attack in February. During that attack, militants set fire to all bank branches in the area. The buildings of NBP and other private banks sustained extensive damage, and banking operations have remained suspended since then.

Dr Baloch said the shutdown had created serious problems for local residents. He said government employees, pensioners and members of the business community were among those most affected by the disruption in banking services. "Due to this disruption, the local people, especially government employees, pensioners, and the business community, has been facing serious difficulties," he said.

He said that because branches were still not functioning, people were being compelled to travel to Dalbandin, Kharan and Quetta to receive salaries and complete routine financial transactions. According to Dr Baloch, these journeys were not only long and difficult but were also resulting in loss of time and additional financial burden for the people.

The National Party chief demanded that all bank branches in Noshki be reopened without delay so that residents could regain access to essential financial services in their own area.

Banking services remain suspended after February attack

The issue centres on the aftermath of the February attack in Noshki, in which militants targeted bank branches and set them on fire. The resulting damage to the buildings of NBP and private banks led to a complete halt in banking services in the area.

Dr Baloch’s appeal highlights the impact of that closure on daily life in Noshki, particularly for people dependent on regular access to salaries, pensions and business-related transactions. In his letter, he pressed bank authorities to take emergency steps to restore operations and end the difficulties being faced by the local population.