Bank A/C facility for refugees to aid economy.

In a surprise move, Pakistan has allowed registered Afghan refugees to open and maintain bank accounts in a bid to make them part of the formal economy as they have remained associated with different businesses and professions for decades.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) notified on Thursday that the Afghan refugees, registered with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), can open bank accounts through biometric verification. Bankers and businessmen expressed their surprise over the development. They said they had raised no such demand, but welcomed the move, saying the decision would help bring a significant...