Shortage of space at NBP Chitral branch irks customers.

CHITRAL -- The main branch of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in Chitral city is housed in a small room to the discomfort of the customers and the staffers.

The bank's management has failed to construct or hire a spacious building since its own was razed for construction of a by-pass road some six years ago.

The NBP's main branch also acts as its chest branch, where hard cash is maintained after receiving it from the State Bank of Pakistan which has no branch in the entire district. Besides, it also acts as the 'clearing agent' of all the branches of other banks.

The staffers termed the narrow room, where the NBP branch is housed, as risky from security viewpoint as it is located amid shops and a general bus stand.

Thousands of customers, including government employees and the pensioners, visit the branch, particularly during the first 10 days of every month, to draw salaries and pensions, but they are greatly hassled for want of space.

For want of space inside the branch, the customers receiving or depositing cash have to stand in front of a narrow window.

Women government employees face tremendous hardships in getting their...