"It gives me immense pleasure to be presiding over a ceremony of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) first ATM in the province of Balochistan. This has been possible only through the hard work put in by the Bank's Acting President Sheikh Amanullah and his team. We are all familiar with the importance which agriculture holds in our country's economy playing a major role in our country's export industry."

This was stated by the Deputy Speaker National Assembly Muhammad Qasim Khan Soori at the inauguration of ZTBL Bank's first ATM in Quetta. He further said that the Government of Pakistan brought about a way to increase capital in its 100 days agenda according to which computerized bill transactions, add-deposit, promotion of Islamic Banking for wear-house receipt financing the Collateral Management Companies circle was worked upon to further legalize safety procedures, are the steps taken.

I am delighted to know that in a very timely manner ZTBL started the ATM and Debit Card including Islamic Banking which will play a decisive role for the population of our country, because majority of our population resides in rural areas and these steps will definitely be of advantage to the rural population especially the small farmers.

"Bank's consistency of maintaining its (AAA/A-1+) rating is proof enough of the Bank's activity and maintenance of its financial position. Taking advantage of this occasion I am pleased announce that the government in order to further improve and increase in the agricultural sector has in the coming 3 years approved a package of Rs 200 billion of which Rs 182 billion has already been launched. This can also be used for CPEC and development of other provinces. In fact agri-development is also an important part of CPEC."

Earlier, the President ZTBL Sheikh Amanullah in his address had stated that we have come to assist the small farmers of Balochistan by introducing ATM by which the small farmers will be able to get their agricultural necessities timely with which they will be better able to improve themselves with the country. Bank President further added the Bank annually provides about 0.4 million farmers and those associated with them with agri-loans, banking facilities and agro-technical facilities. I with my team worked tooth and rail with a clean conscious to retrieve and compensate financial funds so that the bank can come up to the mark of a recognized financial institution and today we are on the path of achievement and progress.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019