KARACHI ( TARIQ REPORT )
In line with its commitment to promote financial inclusion in the country, Pakistan’s first and foremost branchless banking service Easypaisa has entered into a strategic partnership with the Bank of Punjab (BOP)to expand the scale of branchless banking services. The partnership will facilitate BOP’s extensive customer base in availing services through Easypaisa’s network of countrywide agents.
Easypaisa is the pioneer of branchless banking services in Pakistan with the largest nationwide footprint, while the Bank of Punjab is the prime facilitator for the Govt. of Punjab. Given the strengths of both the organizations, this partnership will go a long way in promoting financial services in the country. The infrastructure and operations are being facilitated by BOP’s existing technology partner Inov8 Limited through their platform.
The signing ceremony was held in BOP’s Head Office in Lahore which was attended by the management of Telenor Pakistan, BOP, and Inov8. Present on the occasion were Mr. Muhammad Yahya Khan – Head of Easypaisa; Mr. Faisal Rauf – Director Corporate Solutions, Telenor Pakistan;Mr. Ahmed Shah Durrani -Group Head Retail, The Bank of Punjab; Mr. WaqasAnis – Head Payment Services Group,The Bank of Punjab;Mr. Latif Ahmad Hashmi -Head Branchless Banking, The Bank of Punjab;and Mr. Bashir Sheikh –CEO, Inov8 Limited,along with other senior representatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Muhammad Yahya Khan, Head of Easypaisa,said, “Easypaisa with its digital and distribution leadership in financial services is humbled to have entered into partnership with BOP and Innov8. We look forward to making positive contribution towards digitizing Government to Person payments by bringing ease and convenience in the lives of millions of beneficiaries and hence doing our bit in empowering Pakistan.”
Mr. Ahmed Shah Durrani, Group Head Retail, The Bank of Punjab, added, “This partnership is an important milestone in light of BOP’s strategic initiatives of driving financial inclusivity & digitalization. The Bank is aggressively expanding its channels and products capability to cater to customers’ needs; overall targeted towards delivering world class services & experience to all segments of the community.”