Ppp (Pakistani Pension Problem)

6th September 2010, 3:30 A.M. I knew this day was going to have a hectic start. The month of Ramadan was in its middle stages hence, this was to be added salt to the wounds. The event being discussed so pessimistically right now was actually concerning the tri monthly pension that I would have to get from a government bank. It was not like this was going to be my first time, I had done this before but I had never had to get it during fasting. As the clock ticked towards 7:00 A.M., my father repeatedly kept asking me to take grandmother to the bank right now in order to insure that we get the pension as quickly as possible. The idea seemed ludicrous to me as the bank opened at 8:30 A.M., hence I delayed it a little bit and then along with my grandmother got to the bank around 7:45 A.M. and what I saw was enough to convince that my father was right in his warning.

Before going further, let’s acquaint the reader with how a typical pension is withdrawn in Pakistan or at least the area of Lahore in which I am living that is Johar Town. The spot is the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) situated near Akbar Chowk. The pension system in this bank is divided into three parts, all performed outside the perimeters of the bank. First you have to get your pension booklet verified and approved by a person who is sitting under a big umbrella, on a rather timid seat with no other method of air conditioning except what nature intends to give. Both the male and female populace gathers around the person and put their booklets on an old wooden table. The guy then verifies the booklet individually and then presents a piece of paper on which information is provided regarding the pension that is to be allotted and the identification of the pensioner. If the pensioner is illiterate or cannot write then his/her left hand thumb impression is required otherwise a signature proves the literacy or necessary writing prowess. This “cheque” has to be verified by showing it to person through a glass window. The person is sitting inside the bank. Two window sills are present, meaning that two lines are formed, one for men and the other for women. The bank guy then verifies the amount and then stamps it accordingly and provides his signature showing documentation clearance. The piece of paper is then shown at another window sill which is then taken by another person who then looks at the amount and then gives the amount of cash to the pensioner who is then home free. The whole process seems simple enough. But considering a country like Pakistan, a huge population always has its downsides.